On a radiant afternoon that sparkled with elegance, purpose, and pointe shoes, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) celebrated the heart of its mission — supporting young dancers — at a spirited luncheon that honored longtime supporter and board member Kamie Lightburn. Held ahead of the organization’s highly anticipated Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala, the event gathered 75 of Kamie’s closest friends and YAGP patrons for an unforgettable afternoon of inspiration and artistry.
Shannon Gibbons, Vice President of Development at YAGP, addressed the room with heartfelt gratitude and clarity, answering a question she often hears: “What does YAGP actually do?”
Her answer: “YAGP makes dancers’ dreams come true.”
Founded 26 years ago by Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, YAGP is the world’s largest dance network and a vital platform for aspiring dancers from all economic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. It offers unmatched opportunities for training, mentorship, scholarships, and exposure to the world’s leading dance institutions. The results speak for themselves: nearly 80% of the dancers at American Ballet Theatre (ABT) are YAGP alumni, and over 500 alumni are now dancing in more than 100 professional companies worldwide — from The Royal Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet to San Francisco Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet.
The luncheon featured special performances by two rising stars and YAGP standouts: Macie Miersch, from the Sarasota Ballet’s Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, danced a variation from La Bayadère, and Crystal Huang of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School performed Valse Masquerade, choreographed by fellow YAGP alum Brady Farrar. Her stunning costume — a creation by Dennis Basso — was first unveiled at YAGP’s 25th Anniversary Gala.
Katherine Gage Boulud surprised guests with an impromptu tribute to Kamie, which moved the room to a standing ovation. Kamie, a dedicated member of the YAGP Board and Gala Committee, continues to bring new supporters to the fold each year, inviting her Florida luncheon guests to join her at her table at the Gala in New York.
Notable attendees included Cece Black, Janna Bullock, Sharon Bush, Valerie Cooper, Lee Fryd, Eleanora Kennedy, Michael Kovner, Victoria Peyton, Lauren Day Roberts, and Ramona Singer — all united by a shared love of the arts and admiration for Kamie’s unwavering commitment.
The excitement now turns to the upcoming YAGP Gala on April 29th at Lincoln Center, where Melanie Hamrick will serve as emcee for an evening of breathtaking performances by dancers from Paris Opera Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, ABT Studio Company, Alvin Ailey, and others. The benefit dinner will honor Sarah Hoover and is sponsored by Oscar de la Renta, with Gala Chairs Marcella Guarino Hymowitz and Maria Cristina Anzola leading a stylish committee that includes Chelsea Clinton, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Wes Gordon, Paul Arnhold, Colby Mugrabi, Barbara Tober, and more.
In true YAGP fashion, creativity will take over every corner of the room — including the décor, which will feature hand-designed pointe shoes by fashion powerhouses Alice + Olivia, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, LoveShackFancy, Theory, Helmut Lang, Hill House Home, Michelle Ochs, and others.
Tickets for the Gala are available now at www.YAGP.org.
From stage to studio, and luncheon to Lincoln Center, YAGP continues to elevate the next generation of dancers — one pirouette at a time.
