Exclusive: Dancer's Dream Ahead of 'Ballet Olympics' YAGP Scholarship Competition

A Young Dancer's Journey to the "Ballet Olympics"

A 13-year-old dancer from Pittsburgh is getting ready to step into the spotlight at what many call the “Ballet Olympics” — the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). This prestigious event, held in Sewell, New Jersey, brings together hundreds of young dancers from the Northeast for a weekend of competition, showcasing their talents and vying for elite scholarships and opportunities. The event, part of YAGP’s 2026 season, will take place from Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 26, at the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center.

Amelia Sias, who trains at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia on a full scholarship, is one of the participants. She will be competing alongside dancers aged 9 to 19. The event is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on YAGP’s social media platforms, allowing a wider audience to witness the performances.

A Passion That Began Early

Amelia has always had a deep connection with ballet. “I fell in love with ballet when I was really little,” she shared in an exclusive interview. “It made me feel free — like I could express myself without words. That’s when I knew I wanted to take it seriously.”

Since its inception in 1999, YAGP has become the world’s largest ballet scholarship competition, serving as a launching pad for many professional dancers. Each year, thousands of young performers audition 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.

This is Amelia’s fifth year competing in YAGP, and she has already made a name for herself. Last season, she earned the Hope Award at the Philadelphia regional, which honors the top dancer in her age division across both classical and contemporary dance. This achievement earned her a spot in the 2025 Finals, where she performed among peers from around the globe.

The Power of Hard Work and Gratitude

“Winning the Hope Award was one of my proudest moments,” Amelia said. “It showed me that hard work really does pay off — and that there’s always room to keep learning.”

When asked about performing in front of world-renowned judges, Amelia emphasized the importance of gratitude. “It’s nerve-wracking, but also exciting. These judges have danced the roles I dream of performing someday,” she explained. “I remind myself that this is my time to share my love for ballet with them.”

Leanne Benjamin, a YAGP judge and former principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, is among those evaluating competitors this weekend. According to her YAGP biography, she values mentorship and celebrates seeing young dancers grow through opportunities like these.

Embracing Versatility and Artistic Risks

For Amelia, versatility means taking artistic risks. Last season, she performed a bold variation from Gayane, a piece known for its unique hand movements and emotional complexity. “I chose it because it felt different,” she said. “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 grow 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.”

Event Details and Public Access

The Youth America Grand Prix Philadelphia Semi-Finals will be held at the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center in Sewell, NJ, from Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 26. The event will be livestreamed on YAGP’s social media and website for free public viewing.