On April 17, 2024, the Plaza Hotel in New York City was the site of an incredible event that brought together hundreds of young dancers from around the world. These talented individuals, ranging in age from 9 to 19 and hailing from various countries, gathered to attempt to break the world record for dancing on pointe in one location.
The event was organized by the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), a ballet scholarship program that has been celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The YAGP is committed to providing opportunities for young dancers to pursue their dreams and develop their skills through intensive training and mentorship.
As Tchaikovsky music played in the background, the ballerinas skillfully performed bourrée, shifting their weight rapidly from one foot to the other while standing on their tiptoes for a full minute. The audience was mesmerized by their graceful movements and dedication to perfecting their craft.
After the performance, Tina Shi, an adjudicator for Guinness World Records, announced that the dancers had successfully broken the previous world record. The previous record was set at 306 ballerinas on pointe en masse, and the dancers at the Plaza Hotel had surpassed that number with 353 participants. This achievement is a testament to the talent and dedication of these young dancers, who have worked tirelessly to perfect their skills and reach new heights in their careers.
The Youth America Grand Prix has been operating the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition since 1999. This event was not only a celebration of the program’s anniversary but also a testament to the talent and dedication of the young dancers who participated. The YAGP continues to provide opportunities for young dancers around the world to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness in their chosen field.
