Your Competitive Edge: the Solo Program
The Solo Program gives dancers a chance to hone their skills and gain performance experience at the Youth America Grand Prix [YAGP] or other competitive dance programs.
As part of the Junior Company program, dancers ages 14 through 18 are eligible to audition to be a part of the Youth of America Grand Prix [YAGP] group piece.
Admission to this program is by acceptance. If you are interested in participating in this program, please email school@amballet.org.
Solo Program – Youth America Grand Prix
Program Director: Kelanie Murphy
Students ages 9-18 enrolled in the Academy Division of the AMB School have the opportunity to participate in the YAGP ballet competition. YAGP is the world’s largest non-profit international student ballet competition and scholarship program, open to dance students of all nationalities.
Acceptance to the YAGP Solo Program is through auditions conducted by AMB School artistic staff. Students accepted into the YAGP Solo Program will be required to sign a letter of agreement.
To learn more about the requirements of this program, you can read the YAGP Solo Program guidelines here.
About the YAGP Solo Program
Dancers who participate will learn a classical variation and/or a contemporary solo to perform at a YAGP event. Students will meet with a coach for a 30-minute minimum private lesson per week to prepare for the competition, paid on a monthly tuition basis. Private lessons will have a standing weekly lesson time on Sundays. Private lessons will begin in September and participants will attend a YAGP event in February or March chosen by the AMB School.
You can visit the Youth America Grand Prix website for detailed information. If a participant is interested in taking their variation or contemporary solo to competitions other than YAGP, they must register through the AMB School.
YAGP classical choreography will be taught by YAGP Solo Program director Kelanie Murphy. Contemporary choreography will be set by Erica Lohman.
Required Classes/Training
- Students ages 9-11 must be enrolled in: 2 ballet classes and 1 modern/contemporary class at the AMB School for the entire school year.
- Students ages 12 and older must be enrolled in: 3 ballet classes, 2 pointe classes, and 1 modern/contemporary class at the AMB School for the entire school year.
- All age groups are required to attend the AMB School’s August Summer Dance series.
Fees Associated with Youth America Grand Prix
| Participation fee | $200 1st dance / $50 each additional dance (due upon enrollment) |
| Choreography fee | $260 per dance – includes 1 hour of private time (due prior to first rehearsal) |
| Private lesson tuition | 2 hours = $130 / 4 hours = $260 per dance |
| YAGP entry fee | Paid to YAGP by participant |
| Costumes | Paid by participant |
| Personal travel expenses | Paid by participant |
| Instructor travel | TBD – Instructor travel will be divided among participants |
Solo Program – Regional Competitions
Program Director: Erica Lohman
Dance competitions provide students with additional performing opportunities. Registered AMB School students ages 6-18 are eligible to participate in this program through competitive solos, duets, or trios. Participants will prepare choreographed routines to be performed at regional dance competitions. Students will meet with a coach for a 30-minute minimum private lesson per week to prepare for the competition, paid on a monthly tuition basis. Private lessons will have a standing weekly lesson time on Sundays.
Students participating in the Regional Solo Program will be required to sign a letter of agreement. If you have questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us for a personal response.
About the Regional Competition Solo Program
Regional Competition choreography will be taught by Regional Solo Program director Erica Lohman.
Note: If there is an AMB School instructor on staff with whom a dancer would prefer to work or do choreography, please email a request to school@amballet.org
Dancers will select competitions in which they wish to participate from an AMB School-provided list. All competition fees are due December 1.
Required Classes/Training
- Students age 6 must be enrolled in: 1 dance class at the AMB School for the entire school year.
- Students ages 7-10 must be enrolled in: 1 ballet class, 1 jazz class, and 1 lyrical or modern/contemporary class at the AMB School for the entire school year.
- Students age 11 and older must be enrolled in: 2 ballet classes, 1 jazz class, and 1 lyrical or modern/contemporary class at the AMB School for the entire school year.
Fees Associated with Regional Competitions
| Participation fee | $200 1st dance / $50 each additional dance (due upon enrollment) |
| Choreography fee | $260 per dance – includes 1 hour of private time (due prior to first rehearsal) |
| Private lesson tuition | 2 hours = $130 / 4 hours = $260 per dance |
| Competition entry fees | TBD – due by December 1 |
| Costumes | Paid by participant |
| Travel expenses | Paid by participant |
Schedule
Private lessons will have a standing weekly lesson time on Sundays. Lesson times will be determined on an individual basis.