Olivia McBain to Compete in Youth America Grand Prix in New York

 

Olivia McBain Complilation YAGP 2019

 

 Olivia McBain in her own words

We are so delighted to share with you some really exciting news about one of our amazing young dancers! Eighth grade student, Olivia McBain will be competing in Youth America Grand Prix Finals in New York in April. Olivia competed at the local level placing second in her classical variation, Odalisque from Le Corsiare and she landed in the top twelve for her contemporary variation, Orchid by NADA instructor, Christina Simkovich. As a result of her tremendous work she will bring both solos to the stage in New York!

Olivia will be in New York for two weeks as part of a once in a lifetime, jam packed opportunity! She will be part of the Gala production at the Lincoln Center. After she competes with both solos,  she will attend master classes for an opportunity to earn scholarships to train with some of the biggest ballet companies in the U.S.   

Olivia is an eighth grade student at South Forsyth Middle School. She has been since dancing since the age of five, attending NADA's Pre-Professional Summer Intensive Program for the past two years, performing in three summer productions; Sleeping Beauty's Wedding, Swan Lake, and Don Quixote. Additionally she spent time last summer attending MODAS 2018 Summer Intensive in New Mexico on scholarship. This summer she'll be attending the Boston Ballet Summer Intensive on scholarship for five weeks. 

Olivia's parents, both dancers, are so grateful the training, love and support provided by NADA and our community. "...all of her wonderful friends at NADA feel more like family who have been by her side in support and encouragement  year after year. The journey is even sweeter when you get to share it with great friends," says mom, Claudia McBain. 

Olivia and her family wish to send heartfelt and gracious thanks to the following people for helping her reach the highest heights and achieve her biggest goals:

NADA/NADT Director, teacher, mentor, Michael Garrison

Stacey Slichter YAGP coordinator, teacher, YAGP trainer, and mentor

Christina Simkovich, YAGP Contemporary Choreographer, trainer, teacher, mentor

Tatiana Makarova, YAGP trainer, teacher and mentor

Julia Jensen (NADA 2019 Senior) for allowing Olivia to borrow her Odalisque costume

We are looking forward to watching this young lady take the dancing world by storm! Good luck in New York, Olivia! 

Youth America Grand Prix: Congratulations Dancers

Daniel and NADT Director, Michael Garrison

Congratulations to Daniel Gray for his well deserved achievements at Youth America Grand Prix. Daniel competed in pre-competitive classical with Giselle's Peasant Pas 1st Male variation and La Sylphide James variation. He placed 3rd overall and was invited to two summer intensives. Daniel says, "I am so grateful to Mr. G and all the trainers for their investment in me. It was a great experience at the event but the training was the most valuable part." 

Keep up that training, Daniel. We see big things in your future!

 Also...

Sarah Kim competes at YAGP

Congratulations also goes out to dancer, Sarah Kim for her participation in YAGP.

Sarah says, "YAGP was a great experience and I loved it." Sarah feels she improved and became stronger throuhout her many dedicated rehearsals leading up to the competition."I love performing on the stage and and want to experience it all over again!"

Keep up the good work young lady. We're so proud of you! 

If you or your child has competed in YAGP or another recent dance competition, representing NADA/NADT, please send a photo, placement information and any other pertinent information to our Director or Special Initiatives, Dina Garrett at dgm7373@outlook.com