Youth America Grand Prix

What Youth America Grand Prix does

Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by former Bolshoi Ballet dancers Gennadi and Larissa Saveliev. It operates as the world's largest international student ballet scholarship competition and dance education organization, serving aspiring dancers ages 9-19. The organization runs regional semi-finals in 29 US/Canada locations and 19 international locations annually, culminating in week-long Season Finals featuring over 1,500 dancers, with the signature 'Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow' Gala performed at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. Since inception, YAGP has reached more than 250,000 young dancers and awarded over $5 million in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide.

The core product portfolio centers on the YAGP Competition (regional semi-finals and Season Finals), Master Classes, the bi-annual YAGP Job Fair (Stuttgart and Nashville) connecting dancers with company artistic directors, the International Dance School Festival, the Legends in Dance educational gala series, and the Emerging Choreographer Series. Underlying technology includes the DanceComp Genie registration and competition management platform, free YouTube live-streaming of competition finals, and complementary online ballet classes. The organization has produced media content including the 'Ballet's Greatest Hits' film (2013) and was featured in the award-winning documentary 'First Position' (2010). Notable outputs include 500+ alumni currently dancing at 100 professional companies, and 60 of American Ballet Theatre's 93 dancers are YAGP alumni.

Revenue is generated through multiple streams: $125 non-refundable participant registration fees (transaction model), Gala and patron ticket sales at Lincoln Center, corporate sponsorship packages from dancewear brands (Capezio, Bloch, AK Dancewear) and other partners, 501(c)(3) charitable donations to the General Operating Fund and Scholarship Fund, and merchandise sales via yagpshop.com. The organization serves four primary customer segments: individual young dancers (primary), dance schools and academies, professional dance companies, and corporate sponsors, supported by 1M+ social media followers, 500K+ monthly website hits, and 15,000+ email addresses for outreach. Geographic operations span North America, Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South America, and Oceania.

Name

Youth America Grand Prix

Legal name

Youth America Grand Prix

Website

https://yagp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Youth America Grand Prix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1999 that operates the world's largest international youth ballet scholarship competition, serving approximately 15,000 dancers annually through regional semi-finals in 48 locations and signature galas at Lincoln Center.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dance Education and Performing Arts

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (61161), Dance Companies (711120)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Dance Competitions & Showcases (Non-Esports) (MPAGADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth & Junior Tournament Organizers (MPAKADAL), Athletic, Arts & Talent-Based Scholarships (EDAIAOAM), Dance Education (Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Cultural Dance) (EDAMAAAH), Classical Ballet (Full-Length & Repertoire) (MPAGADAA)

Keywords

• Youth ballet competitions
• Dance scholarship auditions
• Performing arts education
• Ballet master classes
• Dance talent development

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Event Registration Fees: Participants pay $125 non-refundable registration fee to compete in regional semi-finals and access scholarship auditions.
2. Competition and Gala Tickets: Revenue from selling tickets to Gala performances at Lincoln Center and other venues, including patron tickets with post-performance dinner opportunities.
3. Dance Competition Market Revenue: As the world's largest dance education organization, YAGP operates within the global dance competition market projected to reach USD 4.24 billion by 2033.
4. Corporate Sponsorship: Sponsorship packages including website advertisements, email blasts to 15,000+ addresses, social media highlights to 1M+ followers, sponsor booths at events with 300-1000+ participants, logo displays on printed materials with 1M+ impressions.
5. Donations and Charitable Contributions: 501(c)(3) nonprofit accepts donations to General Operating Fund and YAGP Scholarship Fund supporting under-resourced talented students with travel, coaching, and costume costs.
6. Patron and VIP Experiences: Premium patron tickets including post-performance Gala dinner with dancers, offering exclusive access experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Youth America Grand Prix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs the world's largest international student ballet scholarship competition, holding regional semi-finals in 29 U.S./Canada locations and 19 international locations annually, culminating in Season Finals featuring more than 1,500 dancers. The organization awards scholarships and professional job offers through auditions judged by artistic directors from 100+ partner dance schools and companies worldwide, complemented by master classes taught by leading dance professionals, bi-annual Job Fairs for direct company hiring, signature gala performances at Lincoln Center, and educational programs supporting dancers ages 9-19.

Product overview

Youth America Grand Prix operates as a unified platform of dance education and performance offerings centered around its flagship international youth ballet scholarship competition. The core product portfolio includes: the YAGP Competition (regional semi-finals in 29 US/Canada and 19 international locations plus Season Finals); YAGP Master Classes taught by world-leading dance professionals; the bi-annual YAGP Job Fair connecting dancers with professional companies; the signature 'Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow' Gala featuring professional and emerging talent; the 'Legends In Dance' educational gala series; and the Emerging Choreographer Series. Supporting offerings include an online registration platform (integrated with DanceComp Genie), live broadcast streaming via YouTube, and daily online ballet classes. The organization functions as a 501(C)(3) nonprofit with the mission to support dancers ages 9-19 through scholarship auditions, performance opportunities, and educational programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Legends in Dance Gala Series: A gala series celebrating legendary figures in dance history, offering educational journeys into dance history alongside spectacular performances.
• Emerging Choreographer Series
• YAGP Job Fair

Products and services

• YAGP Competition The world's largest international youth ballet scholarship competition, conducting regional semi-finals in 29 U.S./Canada locations and 19 international locations annually, culminating in Season Finals where over 1,500 dancers receive mentoring and scholarship opportunities to leading dance schools worldwide. For aspiring dancers ages 9-19.
• YAGP Master Classes Master classes taught by distinguished YAGP judges and teachers — leading dance professionals from around the world — held as an integral part of each ballet competition event and scholarship audition. For participating young dancers seeking elite instruction.
• YAGP Job Fair Bi-annual special audition program (operating since 2015) giving YAGP participants and alumni the chance to be seen and hired by directors of world-leading dance companies. Includes events in Stuttgart, Germany and Nashville, TN. For dancers seeking professional ballet company positions.
• "Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow" Gala YAGP's signature gala performance where celebrated ballet stars and YAGP international youth competition winners share the stage. Features performances at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater (NYC) and Straz Center for the Performing Arts (Tampa). Tickets sold to gala patrons, families, and dance audiences.
• "Legends In Dance" Gala Series An educational gala series celebrating legendary figures in dance history, offering spectacular performances combined with educational journeys into dance history. For ballet audiences, patrons, students, and educational audiences.
• YAGP Emerging Choreographer Series A program providing opportunities for upcoming choreographers to present their work to the international dance community. Has featured notable choreographers including Camille A. Brown, Marcelo Gomes, Adam Hougland, Susan Jaffe, and Justin Peck. For emerging choreographers and the dance community.
• YAGP International Dance School Festival Annual performance featuring students from world-renowned dance academies (e.g., ABT Studio Company, JKO School, Beijing Dance Academy, La Scala Ballet Academy, Princess Grace Academy, The Royal Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School) performing works representing each school's style and artistic tradition, ranging from classics to contemporary dance. For dance audiences, students, and partner schools.
• Online Ballet Classes Daily online ballet classes taught by professional alumni and master teachers, providing remote educational opportunities for dancers worldwide. For dance students seeking continued instruction.

Quantifiable outcome

• $5 million+ in scholarships awarded to world-leading dance schools
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Primary venue for YAGP NYC Galas and International Dance School Festival; long-time artistic home for YAGP events
• Straz Center for the Performing ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Venue for YAGP Tampa Galas; co-presented past performances with YAGP; hosts annual Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala
• AK DancewearminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Season sponsor providing dancewear products and support; logo displayed on YAGP website and materials
• CapeziominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Season sponsor providing dance apparel; logo displayed on YAGP sponsorship materials
• Bloch WorldminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Season sponsor of YAGP; dancewear brand with logo featured on website sponsorship page
• Champion Mindset ConsultingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Season sponsor providing mindset coaching services; featured on YAGP sponsorship page
• Dellalo MilanominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Season sponsor; Italian dancewear brand featured on YAGP sponsorship materials
• Tampa BayminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Generous sponsor of YAGP 2026 Tampa Gala enabling the Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow performance
• Ukrainian Refugee Support NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022YAGP helped relocate over 80 young Ukrainian dancers to safety during 2022 war crisis, placing them at partner schools including Princess Grace Academy, Dutch National Ballet School, John Cranko School, and others throughout Europe
• American Ballet TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Flagship partner company; Grand Prix winner receives professional job contract with ABT Studio Company; 60 of ABT's 93 dancers are YAGP alumni; company representatives participate in Job Fair auditions; ABT Studio Company performs at International Dance School Festival
• New York City BalletcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Major destination for YAGP alumni; over a dozen former YAGP competitors currently dancing at NYCB; company stars featured in Gala performances
• The Royal Ballet School (United Kingdom)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school providing scholarships to YAGP participants; dancers perform at YAGP International Dance School Festival; Artistic Directors attend Gala events
• Paris Opera Ballet School (France)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school offering scholarships through YAGP auditions; faculty members serve as YAGP judges and teachers
• Princess Grace Academy (Monaco)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school that has welcomed young Ukrainian refugee dancers through YAGP relocation efforts; provides scholarships to YAGP participants
• John Cranko School of the Stuttgart Ballet (Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school hosting Ukrainian refugee dancers during war crisis; provides scholarships through YAGP; hosts Job Fair events
• Dutch National Ballet School (Netherlands)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school that accepted Ukrainian refugee dancers during 2022 crisis; provides scholarships through YAGP auditions
• La Scala Ballet Academy (Italy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school participating in YAGP International Dance School Festival; provides scholarships to YAGP participants
• San Francisco Ballet School (USA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school with alumni performing at YAGP Galas; provides scholarships through YAGP auditions
• Zurich Dance Academy (Switzerland)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school that accepted Ukrainian refugee dancers; provides scholarships to YAGP participants; hosts Job Fair Stuttgart events
• ABT Studio Company and JKO School (USA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner company and school featured at YAGP International Dance School Festival; provides scholarships and professional opportunities
• Beijing Dance Academy (China)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999International partner school featured at YAGP International Dance School Festival representing Chinese dance tradition
• Canada's National Ballet SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner school providing scholarships through YAGP; participates in North American regional events
• Houston BalletcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner company participating in YAGP Job Fair Nashville; company representatives audition dancers for positions
• Boston BalletcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner company participating in YAGP Job Fair events; auditions dancers for company positions
• Joffrey BalletcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner company with alumni performing at YAGP Galas; participates in Job Fair auditions
• Ballet WestcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999Partner company participating in YAGP Job Fair Nashville; auditions dancers for company positions
• The Australian Ballet SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999International partner school participating in YAGP events; provides scholarships to Australian dancers

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• American Ballet Theatre: The flagship professional ballet company in the US and YAGP's longest-running core partner (since 1999). ABT's Studio Company is the top YAGP prize destination, and 60 of ABT's 93 dancers are YAGP alumni; comparable in mission around ballet talent development though at a professional company level rather than youth competition.
• Paris Opera Ballet School: Elite French ballet training institution and YAGP partner school providing scholarships through auditions. Faculty serve as YAGP judges. Comparable in mission of developing pre-professional ballet talent through structured training pathways.
• The Royal Ballet School: Premier UK ballet training institution and long-standing YAGP partner school offering scholarships through YAGP auditions. Both organizations serve the elite pre-professional ballet training market; Royal Ballet School focuses on multi-year residential training while YAGP focuses on competition/scholarship placement.

Direct peers

• International Varna Ballet Competition: Biennial international ballet competition held in Varna, Bulgaria, focused on young dancers (senior and junior divisions). Directly comparable scholarship awarding model and global recruitment footprint, serving the same population of aspiring ballet students seeking professional training.
• Prix de Lausanne: Switzerland-based international ballet competition for young dancers (ages 14-19), widely considered YAGP's closest global competitor. Both organizations award scholarships to top dance schools and serve as talent pipelines to professional companies; Prix de Lausanne is invite-only where YAGP is open-registration, but they directly compete for elite dancer participation.
• Moscow International Ballet Competition: One of the oldest and most prestigious international ballet competitions, organized under the Bolshoi Theatre. Competes with YAGP for elite young ballet talent, particularly across Eastern Europe, Asia, and other international markets where both organize audition tours.

Emerging players

• Tanzolymp Berlin International Festival for Dance: Berlin-based international dance competition for young dancers covering ballet, modern, and contemporary. Directly comparable youth talent competition with international reach, though smaller scale than YAGP.
• Dance Masters of America: US-based organization of dance educators offering certified training and student competitions (including the American Dance Competition and Miss Dance of America). Competes with YAGP for participation among young ballet students, though with a broader multi-genre focus.
• USA Dance: National governing body for dance sport in the US, running competitions and championships across multiple dance disciplines. Overlaps with YAGP in providing structured competitive platforms for young dancers but focuses on ballroom and Latin styles rather than classical ballet.

Others

• Capezio: One of the world's largest dancewear brands and a YAGP season sponsor. Comparable ecosystem participant in the youth ballet market, supplying apparel and shoes to the same dancer demographic YAGP serves through competitions and master classes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@yagpofficial
• Xx.com/yagp
• Facebookfacebook.com/YouthAmericaGrandPrix
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/yagp

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Youth America Grand Prix