Rising ballet stars shine at Grand Prix in River Forest
The world’s largest student ballet competition took center stage in River Forest this past weekend, as young talents from across the globe competed in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Chicago Semi-Finals. Held from Feb. 6-9 at Dominican University’s Lund Auditorium, the event brought together hundreds of aspiring dancers, ages 9-19, who showcased their technique and artistry before a panel of renowned judges. With life-changing scholarships and professional opportunities at stake, the competition was fierce, culminating in the announcement of this year’s top winners on the final day.
“It’s the largest! They see over 12,000 participants worldwide from 32 states and 15 international locations,” said Peter Stark, a YAGP judge and president of Rock School for Dance Education.
Stark’s expertise in identifying ballet talent comes from decades of experience. Having directed multiple dance schools for over 25 years, he has scouted dancers worldwide including in Japan and Mexico. He emphasized that ballet is about artistry, not just athleticism. “It’s an art form, not a race. We’re looking for artists, not people who cross the finish line first,” he said.
Chicago plays a significant role in the YAGP scouting process, as it is home to some of the country’s most prestigious ballet schools. “There are many wonderful schools here and a lot of great talent,” Stark said, underscoring the city’s importance in nurturing young dancers.
At YAGP, dancers are divided into categories based on age and gender. When judging talent, Stark and his fellow panelists look at both current skill level and potential. “In a competition, we’re looking at who’s strongest, who is the most well-prepared, and these are the winners. But we’re also looking for the future — you can often see somebody who is not going to win the competition but has all the physical and artistic attributes to succeed in this field,” he said.
This year’s Chicago semi-finals featured 323 competitors, all vying for top 24 and top 12 placements, which can lead to scholarship opportunities ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per year. There are also short-term study scholarships, which allow students to train at elite ballet schools for a week, and full-year scholarships, covering tuition, housing, and academic studies.
For example, Rock School for Dance Education offers a $40,000 scholarship package, including ballet training, dormitory accommodations, and academic schooling. Stark emphasized that while not all participants will win, many will still be offered scholarship opportunities based on their potential.
Scouting talent at YAGP is no small feat, as judges look beyond technique to assess artistry and stage presence. “We are looking for people who can succeed in this field professionally — it’s a combination of strength, flexibility, and that ‘X-factor’ of artistry. It’s that spark that you see in somebody in any performing art,” said Stark.
His pro tip for young competitors? Focus on quality over quantity. Some dancers prioritize higher jumps or extra turns, but Stark advises against that mindset. “It’s an art form first, not a sport,” he said. And his final point, “Have fun!”
Since its founding in 1999, YAGP has launched the careers of many renowned ballet dancers. Stark himself has been involved since the competition’s first year, initially as a coach bringing his own students. “One of my very first students that we brought to the competition went on to the Royal Ballet School and became a big star. So, I came into it coaching students, which is why I have great admiration for the teachers who bring students to these competitions,” he said.
As his career progressed, Stark moved into the recruiting side of the competition, helping identify top talent for major ballet companies. He recalls one of his favorite success stories: Derek Drilon, the 2016 YAGP Chicago semi-finals winner. At the time, Stark was the director of Boston Ballet, where Drilon trained for two years before joining Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, where he is now a featured dancer.
The semi-finalists were announced on-site on Sunday, with competitors from across the world still vying for a spot in the final round. This April, 1,400 finalists will travel to Tampa, Florida, for the YAGP Finals, where the most promising dancers will compete for additional scholarships and career opportunities.
Find the full list of Chicago’s winning semi-finalists here:
https://yagp.org/yagp-2025-chicago-il-february-winners/
Learn more about YAGP at:
https://yagp.org
