Hundreds of dancers, age 9 to 19-years-old, convened in Carmel, Indiana in March 2023 for YAGP Indianapolis, the Midwest regional portion of the annual Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Competition, the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition.
During the annual competition, junior, senior and pre-professional dance students competed within the categories of contemporary solo, classical solo, duet, trio, large and small group ensembles and Pas De Deux for prizes, scholarships and invitations to join world-renowned ballet companies. Additionally, dancers also are offered a series of free masterclasses as part of the YAGP experience.
More than two dozen En Pointe Indiana Ballet dancers, most from the greater Hamilton County area and two out-of-state pre-professionals studying with En Pointe, participated. Several won YAGP awards and accolades, including:
Sarah Lusetti (Reno, Nevada) & Luke Eller (Ypsilanti, Michigan) – First Place Pas De Deux
Joey Moore of Noblesville, Indiana – First Place Men’s Classical Solo
Luke Eller of Ypsilanti, Michigan– Second Place Men’s Classical Solo
Sarah Lusetti of Reno, Nevada – Third Place Senior Classical Solo
Lilly Besner of Whiteland, Indiana – Top 24 Senior Classical Solo
Abby Burnette of Noblesville, Indiana– Top 24 Senior Classical Solo
Bella Gomillion of Noblesville – Top 12 Junior Classical Solo
John Paul Pack of Carmel, Indiana – Top 12 Junior Classical Solo
Bella Gomillion of Noblesville, Indiana– Top 24 Junior Contemporary Solo
Lily Belle McKamie of Noblesville, Indiana – Top 12 Pre-Competitive Classical Solo
“We are incredibly proud of our En Pointe dancers,” said Co-Artistic Director Robert Moore. “YAGP is always an amazing experience for our dance family and allows our dancers to showcase their love for the art. We applaud their dedication and hard work, and are honored to know our school is one of the top within Central Indiana.”
“En Pointe prides itself on high-quality training, strong technique and artistry,” said Co-Owner Chris Moore. “We are elated to have so many of our dancers participate and place at the YAGP Indianapolis competition.”