The Tamesis
The abundance of tulle and pink satin descending on Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater can only mean one thing: An evening of ballet is just in time. After a global search for outstanding talent ages 9 to 19, the Young America Awards returns to New York City with dance disciples from leading companies around the world, welcoming them to perform on the stage with the “stars of today.” The audience, a mixture of familiar faces, patrons and newly converted admirers of this centuries-old discipline, watched with admiration.
“I see a lot of people who look like they care about ballet,” Misty Copeland said with a laugh, making a light-hearted reference to Timothée Chalamet’s recent comments for the first time — but definitely not the last — of the night. Copeland has danced on stage at YAGP galas and served as a judge for the competition for many years, but this time, she once again served as the evening’s host.
The groundbreaking ballerina details the rigorous auditions, workshops and master classes that led to this moment; more than 1,500 young dancers traveled from around the world to captivate a Lincoln Center audience. They are truly fascinated. For a moment, the eight-year-old from Brazil was dragging out a tambourine solo, disarming the room with every play. Next is the interpretation Dance of the Little Swan Performed entirely by male dancers in YAGP’s signature subversive style.
“Caravaggio’s paintings are beautiful”, praised mind hunter Actor Holt McCallany noted its sensuality and elegance. “It reminded me why I’ve always loved ballet – there are no shortcuts. You just have to put in the work.” sex and urban Chris Noth agreed: “If you’re doing film or TV, you can edit stuff, but in ballet you don’t get another take. It’s so strict. That discipline…” They immediately came to the same conclusion: “It’s awesome.”
American Ballet Theater principal dancer Christine Shevchenko expressed gratitude when it came to inspiring a room full of diverse artists. “Ballet is a way to bring people together because in that moment, everyone is connected,” she smiles. “Being in the same room, you experience a lot of emotions. It’s an intimate experience.” Shevchenko’s performance was one of the most revered of the night: rainbowchoreographed by YAGP’s own Melanie Hamrick and choreographed exclusively for this performance by her fiancée Mick Jagger. “Dancing to the Rolling Stones in Love Shack Fancy was so cool,” Shevchenko said with a smile.
A sit-down dinner followed on the gorgeous promenade, where everything from the flowers to the tablecloths to the upholstered seats was painted a ballet slipper pink hue. Even the champagne glasses sparkled with sparkling rosé. In the center of the room, onlookers gathered around a collection of decorative dance shoes created for The Pointe Project, which invites designers to transform shoes into one-of-a-kind works of art for a silent auction. All proceeds will help young dancers obtain the training they need to pursue careers through YAGP, regardless of their geographic location or financial situation. From Michael Kors (whose slippers paid homage to the Black Swan) to Wes Gordon at Carolina Herrera, designers brought their own unique flair.
