Exclusive: Dancer's Dream Before 'Ballet Olympics' YAGP Competition

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

A 13-year-old dancer from Pittsburgh is getting ready to perform on stage at an event often called the “Ballet Olympics” — the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). This prestigious competition, held in Sewell, New Jersey, brings together hundreds of young performers from across the Northeast. They will compete for elite scholarships and opportunities from Friday, October 24, through Sunday, October 26. The event is part of YAGP’s 2026 season and is open to the public. It will also be livestreamed on YAGP’s social media platforms.

Amelia Sias, who trains at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia on a full scholarship, is among the participants. She will join dancers aged 9 to 19 at the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center. For Amelia, ballet has always been more than just a passion — it’s a form of self-expression.

“I fell in love with ballet when I was really little,” she said in an exclusive interview with Daily Voice. “It made me feel free — like I could express myself without words. That’s when I knew I wanted to take it seriously.”

The Legacy of Youth America Grand Prix

Youth America Grand Prix is widely recognized as the world’s largest ballet scholarship competition. Since its inception in 1999, it has served as a launching pad for many professional dancers. Each year, thousands of young dancers audition for spots that can lead to training at prestigious institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre, the Paris Opera Ballet, and the New York City Ballet.

For Amelia, this is her fifth year competing in YAGP. She has already gained recognition in previous years. Last season, she won 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 alongside peers 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.”

Preparing for the Stage

Performing in front of world-renowned judges can be nerve-wracking, but Amelia approaches it with a sense of gratitude. “It’s nerve-wracking, but also exciting,” she said. “These judges have danced the roles I dream of performing someday. 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 Artistic Risks

For Amelia, versatility is key. 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 explained. “It let me show another side of who I am as a dancer.”

Her choice reflects her willingness to take artistic risks and explore new aspects of her craft. This mindset has helped her stand out in the competitive world of ballet.

Dreams and Gratitude

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.”

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.