Youth America Grand Prix Tampa Finals 2025: Rising Stars of Ballet Take Center Stage

TAMPA, Fla. – This week, nearly 2,000 of the world’s most talented young dancers from 46 countries have gathered in Tampa for the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Finals — the world’s largest ballet scholarship competition. Now in its 26th year, YAGP is often called the Olympics of ballet, offering more than $500,000 in scholarships and $125,000 in cash prizes to the most promising pre-professional dancers aged 9 to 19.

The Finals, held at prestigious venues like the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, are a culmination of a season where 15,000 dancers from 86 countries auditioned. Only the very best earned a coveted spot to perform in Tampa before a panel of judges and scouts from top ballet companies around the world.

Celebrating the Youth Division Champions

In the fiercely competitive Youth Division, three outstanding young dancers stood out:

🏆 1st Place: HANA TERADA (Japan, Age 10)
Hana Terada wowed the judges with her immaculate technique and expressive artistry, securing the top spot and representing Japan with grace and power.

🥈 2nd Place: SYLVIE WIN SZYNDLAR (Master Ballet Academy, USA, Age 9)
A rising American star, Sylvie combined technical excellence with heartfelt performance, earning a well-deserved second place.

🥉 3rd Place: KAMILLA LATIFI (Portugal, Age 11)
Kamilla Latifi impressed the audience and judges with her lyrical movement and strong stage presence, taking third place for Portugal.

Top 24 Finalists: A Global Celebration of Talent

Among the outstanding young dancers making it to the Top 24 were remarkable artists from across the globe:

Age 10:

• WEIYI MA - China

• KASUMI MIKAMI - Japan

• MAYU TANAKA - Japan

• CALLA MASSEY - USA

• CHI HEI CAO - China

• EMMA PEREZ - USA

• JANELLE TANG EN TING - Singapore

• YASMIN SOUZA - Brazil

• JOSEPHINE MANZANO - Philippines

• ÀUREA GÓMIZ VILLAESCUSA - Spain

• ANGELINA SOUZA - Brazil

• YERIN JUNG - South Korea

• NOFAR AHARONI - Israel

Age 11:

• AMY LI - Li’s Ballet, USA

• CHLOE LI - Morningstar, USA

• CANDICE ZHI JING YEO - Singapore

• VENUS SARABIA OQUENDO - Hong Kong

• ANDREA CAMILA MARTINEZ ACOSTA - Mexico

• ANNO FUTATSUMATA - Japan

• CHARLOTTE CASE - South Coast Conservatory, USA

• MOMONE SANO - Japan

Gala Event: Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow

The week culminates with the legendary "Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow" Gala at the Straz Center on Saturday, April 26. This year’s performance features:

• U.S. premiere by Lucia Lacarra and Matthew Golding

• Performances by Germain Louvet and Hannah O’Neill (Paris Opera Ballet)

• Friedemann Vogel and Yana Peneva (Stuttgart Ballet)

• American Ballet Theatre alumni Brady Farrar and Sylvie Squires

• A world premiere choreographed by Xin Peng Wang (Ballet Dortmund)

• A contemporary piece from Sofia Nappi performed by the YAGP International Contemporary Ensemble

This Gala is a dream come true for young finalists, pairing them with the world's top professional dancers in a night that inspires audiences and changes lives.

The Legacy of YAGP

Since its founding in 1999, more than 500 YAGP alumni have joined over 100 major ballet companies including New York City Ballet, The Royal Ballet, and Mariinsky Ballet. YAGP not only offers scholarships and career opportunities but also serves as a launchpad for the next generation of global ballet stars.

As the 2025 Tampa Finals continue, it’s clear that ballet’s future is in extraordinarily talented hands.

Congratulations to all competitors — your journeys have just begun!

Awards Ceremony ~ YAGP Tampa Finals 2025