Amelia Sias, a 13-year-old dancer from Pittsburgh, is preparing to perform at one of the most prestigious events in the ballet world — the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), often referred to as the “Ballet Olympics.” This weekend, she will take the stage alongside hundreds of young dancers from across the Northeast, all competing for elite scholarships and opportunities in Sewell, New Jersey. The event, part of YAGP’s 2026 season, will run from Friday, October 24, through Sunday, October 26, at the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center. The public can attend in person, or watch the performances live on YAGP’s social media platforms.
Amelia, who trains at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia on a full scholarship, has been dancing since she was very young. She recalls how she fell in love with ballet when she was just a child. “It made me feel free — like I could express myself without words,” she said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to take it seriously.”
YAGP, known as the world’s largest ballet scholarship competition, has been a gateway for many aspiring dancers to reach professional stages. Since its inception in 1999, thousands of young performers have auditioned for spots that can lead to training at renowned institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the New York City Ballet.
For Amelia, this is her fifth year participating in YAGP, and she has already made a name for herself. Last season, she won the Hope Award at the Philadelphia regional, which recognizes the top dancer in her age group across both classical and contemporary dance. This achievement earned her a spot in the 2025 Finals, where she performed among dancers from around the world.
“Winning the Hope Award was one of my proudest moments,” she shared. “It showed me that hard work really does pay off — and that there’s always room to keep learning.”
Performing in front of world-renowned judges is both exciting and nerve-wracking for Amelia. “I remind myself that this is my time to share my love for ballet with them,” she said. “These judges have danced the roles I dream of performing someday.”
Among the judges this year is Leanne Benjamin, a former principal dancer with The Royal Ballet and a current YAGP judge. According to her bio on YAGP’s website, she values mentorship and is passionate about helping young dancers grow through opportunities like these.
Amelia’s approach to ballet emphasizes versatility and artistic risk-taking. Last season, she performed a bold variation from Gayane, a piece known for its intricate hand movements and emotional depth. “I chose it because it felt different,” she explained. “It let me show another side of who I am as a dancer.”
Looking ahead, Amelia dreams of joining one of the world’s top ballet companies and continuing to develop as both a performer and an artist. “No matter what happens this weekend, I’m just thankful to dance and learn,” she said. “That’s what YAGP is all about.”
The Youth America Grand Prix Philadelphia Semi-Finals will be held at the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center in Sewell, New Jersey, from Friday, October 24, through Sunday, October 26. The event will also be livestreamed on YAGP’s social media and website for free public viewing.
Key Highlights from Amelia's Journey
- Early Passion: Amelia discovered her love for ballet at a young age, finding freedom and expression through dance.
- Scholarship Opportunities: She trains at The Rock School for Dance Education on a full scholarship, highlighting her dedication and talent.
- Competition Experience: This marks Amelia’s fifth year competing in YAGP, with previous recognition including the Hope Award.
- Artistic Growth: Her choice of challenging pieces, such as Gayane, demonstrates her willingness to take risks and explore new dimensions of her artistry.
- Future Goals: Amelia aspires to join prestigious ballet companies and continue her development as a performer and artist.
About the Youth America Grand Prix
- Global Recognition: YAGP is considered the world’s largest ballet scholarship competition, providing a platform for young dancers to gain exposure and opportunities.
- Eligibility: Dancers aged 9 to 19 are eligible to participate, with competitions held in various regions worldwide.
- Judging Panel: Renowned figures from the ballet world, such as Leanne Benjamin, evaluate competitors, offering valuable feedback and mentorship.
- Public Access: Events are open to the public, with livestream options available for those unable to attend in person.
Amelia’s journey reflects the dedication, passion, and perseverance required to succeed in the world of ballet. As she prepares for this weekend’s performances, she remains focused on the joy of dancing and the opportunities that lie ahead.
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