This year's participants have been announced:

Monday, April 21, 2008

International ballet superstars Polina Semionova and Roberto Bolle will lead an international all-star cast in "Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow," Youth America Grand Prix's annually sold-out Closing Night Gala. This spectacular Gala evening will feature the finalists of YAGP international ballet competition and:

Roberto Bolle (La Scala Ballet)
Fabrice Calmels (Joffrey Ballet)
David Hallberg (American Ballet Theatre)
Blaine Hoven (American Ballet Theatre)
Drew Jacoby
Maria Kowroski (New York City Ballet)
Philip Neal (New York City Ballet)
Rubinald Pronk (Dutch National Ballet)
Natalia Osipova (Bolshoi Ballet)
Polina Semionova (Berlin State Opera Ballet) NY Debut
Sarawanee Tanatanit (American Ballet Theatre)
Mizuka Ueno (Tokyo Ballet) NY Debut
Ivan Vasiliev (Bolshoi Ballet) NY Debut
Wendy Whelan (New York City Ballet)
Jin Yao (Hong Kong Ballet) NY Debut
Huang Zhen (Hong Kong Ballet) NY Debut
Company Members of MOMIX
“The highlight of the season!” said Clive Barnes of The New York Post. “No ballet fan should miss it!” proclaimed WQXR, The New York Times radio.

Don't miss this unique chance to see the future of ballet and the New York debuts of Polina Semionova, Mizuka Ueno, Ivan Vasiliev, Jin Yao, and Huang Zhen; a rare New York appearance of Roberto Bolle; New York’s favorite dancers - David Hallberg, Maria Kowroski, Philip Neal and Wendy Whelan; and a world premiere by Marcelo Gomes.

TICKETS: $150, $100, $75, $45
Visit www.citycenter.org or call CityTix at 212.581.1212

Mizuka Ueno of Tokyo Ballet is an out-of-this-world beauty -- perfect line, gorgeous high-arched feet, a face to die for & decent technique -- who has received little attention outside of Japan, where she is a superstar beyond ballet. She alone will be worth the price of a ticket to the gala, IMO.

Thanks for the reminder I just bought my tickets

MOMIX... Isn't that the dance troupe that participated in the Hanes commercial? I am remembered of some routy chainnes. Oh well. Maybe it wasn't them.

I hope Polina shows, as two years ago she was slated to dance at the gala and was injured.

Yes.

Dear Colleagues,

At this time, we would like to post the YAGP 2008 Gala program for your review. We hope to see you at the show.

Please note that, as with all dance events, the program is subject to change if any unexpected circumstances arise.

With warmest regards,

YAGP

"STARS OF TODAY MEET THE STARS OF TOMORROW": YAGP 2008 GALA
Monday, April 21, 2008 at 7:00pm
New York City Center

ACT I: STARS OF TOMORROW

Winners of Youth America Grand Prix 2008 international student ballet and contemporary dance competition

"Grand Defilé"
(piece d'occasion, featuring all YAGP participants)
Choreography: Carlos dos Santos,Jr
Music: Peter Tchaikovsky

ACT II: STARS OF TODAY

Jin Yao, Huang Zhen
(Hong Kong Ballet)
"Grand Pas Classique"
Choreography: Daniel Auber
Music: Victor Gsovsky

Sarawanee Tanatanit, Blaine Hoven
(American Ballet Theatre)
"Tacacá" – WORLD PREMIERE
Choreography: Marcelo Gomes – CHOREOGRAPHIC DEBUT
Music: Batucada Brasileira

Hee Seo (American Ballet Theatre),
Ivan Ortega (Stuttgart Ballet)
"Godspeed" – NY Debut
Choreography: Goyo Montero
Music: Black Emperor

Natalia Osipova, Ivan Vasiliev
(Bolshoi Ballet)
"Flames of Paris" Pas de Deux
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Music: Ludwig Minkus

Drew Jacoby, Rubinald Pronk
(Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company)
"Alloy" – WORLD PREMIERE
Choreography: Adam Hougland
Music: Schlagwerk Nordwest Percussion Ensemble

Wendy Whelan, Philip Neal
(New York City Ballet)
"Chaconne"
Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Christoph Willibald Gluck
© The George Balanchine Trust

Nicole Loizides, Steven Marshall
(MOMIX)
"Millennium Skiva"
Choreography: Moses Pendleton and Company
Music: Brainbug

Polina Semionova (Berlin State Opera Ballet), Roberto Bolle (La Scala Ballet)
"Carmen"
Choreography: Roland Petit
Music: George Bizet

Mizuka Ueno (Tokyo Ballet),
Jose Manuel Carreno, David Hallberg (American Ballet Theatre)
"Le Corsaire" Pas de Trois
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Music: Richard Drigo

Program subject to change.