Youth America Grand Prix 2025

Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala
April 29, 2025 | Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City

On a luminous spring evening at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP)—the world’s largest ballet scholarship competition—hosted its annual “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” Gala, a cultural cornerstone where dance, philanthropy, and high society converge.

This year’s gala was emceed by Emmy-winning television personality and producer Andy Cohen, who brought signature wit to the stage, and Melanie Hamrick, a former American Ballet Theatre soloist and YAGP alumna. “This is a full-circle moment,” Hamrick reflected. “As a young dancer, I performed at YAGP’s very first gala. Tonight, I’m here to give back to the organization that helped launch my career.”

Held fittingly on International Dance Day, the evening honored Sarah Hoover, arts advocate and best-selling author of The Motherload. Gala co-chairs Marcella Guarino Hymowitz and Maria Cristina Anzola led a powerhouse committee that gathered a rarefied guest list spanning the cultural, philanthropic, and fashion elite. Notables in attendance included Chelsea Clinton, Zac Posen, Amy Astley, Candace Bushnell, Rebecca Hessel Cohen, and Lucas Jagger.

Following a program of transcendent performances by leading international companies—including Paris Opera Ballet, The Stuttgart Ballet, Ballet Dortmund, ABT Studio Company, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—guests enjoyed a lavish dinner presented by Oscar de la Renta and Bucherer Fine Jewellery.

The gala also debuted custom-designed ballet slippers as part of YAGP’s Pointe Project, a bespoke fundraising initiative featuring exclusive designs by Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Hill House Home, Alexandre Birman, LoveShackFancy, and other luxury labels. The collectible pointe shoes remain available via online auction through May 1, with 100% of proceeds supporting scholarships for rising dancers across the globe.

YAGP’s visionary Founder and Artistic Director Larissa Saveliev curated a repertoire highlighting both classical mastery and contemporary brilliance. From Lucia Lacarra and Matthew Golding‘s U.S. premiere to breakout performances by YAGP alumni from around the world, the night was an homage to the generational continuum of dance excellence. Highlights included Paris Opera Ballet’s Hannah O’Neill and Germain Louvet, Stuttgart Ballet’s Yana Peneva, and ABT Studio Company’s Kayla Mak and Max Barker, among others.

Emerging choreographers Isaiah Day (Alvin Ailey) and Hanna Brictson debuted original works, with Day’s piece set to live music by Emmy-nominated pianist Matthew Whitaker. The evening culminated in a rousing showcase by the YAGP International Contemporary Ensemble, featuring 25 young global talents, followed by a grand finale performance pairing the next generation of artists with their ballet idols.

Pia Hymowitz, Hazel Wiener, Lake Sklar, Ava Stein
Samantha Pariente, Rachel Fine, Lesley Vecsler, Courtney Davis, Marcella Hymowitz, Colleen Crivello, Natasha Caronna, Amanda Perrin, Eliza Stein, Aly Gradone
Hazel Wiener, Stefani Wiener, Ava Stein, Eliza Stein, Lake Sklar, Pia Hymowitz, Marcella Hymowitz, Lesley Vecsler
Lesley Vecsler, Lina Wallach, Marcella Hymowitz, Dylan Lauren
Rachel Wexler, Lina Wallach, Sarah Hoover, Marcella Hymowitz, Lesley Vecsler

A Global Movement with Local Impact

Now in its 26th season, Youth America Grand Prix has become a global gateway for aspiring dancers, awarding over $5 million in scholarships since its inception in 1999. This year alone, more than 15,000 dancers from 86 countries auditioned, with the most gifted 2,000 advancing to the YAGP Finals in Tampa. Alumni now grace the rosters of over 100 world-class companies, including New York City Ballet, Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, and Mariinsky Ballet.

In recent years, YAGP has doubled down on its mission-driven ethos—leading relief efforts for displaced Ukrainian dancers and reinstating its prestigious international Job Fair in Germany and Nashville. In 2024, YAGP celebrated its 25th Anniversary by setting a Guinness World Record at The Plaza Hotel and receiving formal recognition from the U.S. Senate as America’s National Youth Dance Competition.

As the evening drew to a close, guests including YAGP Chair Richard Osterweil, Josephine Lee, Kamie Lightburn, Lina Wallach, and Yael Weiss gathered beneath a glittering installation of ballet-inspired disco balls and spring florals, toasting to a future where artistry, access, and ambition continue to rise en pointe.

To support Youth America Grand Prix and bid on a one-of-a-kind designer pointe shoe, visit GiveButter.com/YAGP2025 before May 1.

Nathan Cohen