Kenedy Kallas is the complete package. Drool-worthy feet? Check. Effortless extension? Check. Work ethic and humility? Check and check. Naturally, the 15-year-old dancer’s list of career accomplishments is sparkling. In 2015 alone, Kallas was 1st runner-up in the Teen Female division at The Dance Awards in NYC, and performed at the “Stars of Today Meet […]
Thirteen-year-old Aviva Gelfer-Mundl has it all: picture-perfect lines, polished pointe work and a delicate port de bras that conveys maturity beyond her years. So it’s no surprise she was the 2014 Youth America Grand Prix junior gold medalist. What is a surprise is the fact that Aviva has only been dancing for three years. Before […]
It seems like these days, if you wanted to spend all of your free time watching dance on TV, you probably could—not that we recommend it (everything in moderation, right?). But think about it: Just this spring/summer, we’ve welcomed Teen Vogue‘s “Strictly Ballet,” Hulu’s “The Next Step” and Ovation’s “Young Marvels” to the dance TV […]
One of the great hallmarks of ballet is its reverence for the classics—which means generation after generation of ballerinas has performed the same iconic variations. A quick YouTube search for “Giselle Act I variation” or “Kitri Act III variation” will bring up clips of brilliant professional performances by stars like Alina Cojocaru and Natalia Osipova. […]
You might have seen 16-year-old Leili posing in a Discount Dance Supply ad, or competing at the 2015 Youth America Grand Prix finals in NYC. But this super-focused aspiring ballerina spends most of her time away from the spotlight, training at the San Francisco Ballet School. In fact, Leili first fell in love with the […]
NYC is bursting with promising ballet dancers this week, thanks to the Youth America Grand Prix finals held at Lincoln Center’s Koch Theater. To all the competitors (at YAGP and beyond), we’re shouting a big “Merde!!” your way. We can’t wait to see what amazing things these kids will do next. Don’t believe us? Just […]
In a pair of pointe shoes, she’s effortlessly regal—but take those pointe shoes off, and Jasmine Cruz will show you her spunky side. The 12-year-old’s solid technique and infectious personality helped her snag a gold medal at the World Ballet Competition in 2012, and earn first place in both classical and contemporary for the pre-competitive […]
Madeleine dancing a variation from Coppélia, Act 1 (I. Siggul/Visual Arts Masters) With perfectly arched feet and a petite frame, 14-year-old Madeleine Gardella looks like a jewelry box ballerina. She stands just 4 feet 11 inches tall, but exudes the confidence and maturity of a seasoned professional. Her port de bras is unmannered; her musical […]