Resident artists to perform in YAGP tour

The Patel Conservatory is proud to have two of our Next Generation Ballet (NGB) dancers performing this weekend in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Gala tour, Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow.

The prestigious YAGP Gala is held annually in New York City and features stars from top ballet companies alongside up-and-coming talent. This is the first year that the Gala will go on tour.

Drew Nelson and Hannah Bettes, Next Generation Ballet new artists, were chosen for the Gala based on their performance in the regional YAGP competition last fall. They’ll be performing the wedding duet from the ballet Coppelia, the same piece that won them first place in the pas de deux category at regionals.

“It will be a little different for the Gala,” said Nelson. “We’ll be performing two variations, or solos, and then come back together for a finale.”

Nelson, 15, originally from Omaha, NE, lived in New Jersey for 10 years and has trained with the School of American Ballet and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre. He moved to Tampa last summer to train with Peter Stark, dance department chair of the Patel Conservatory.

Bettes, 14, of Deland, FL, also moved to Tampa to study with Stark.

“It’s non-stop dancing, which I love,” she said of her NGB schedule. “And the coaching is excellent.”

Both are thrilled to be dancing in the YAGP Gala tour.

“Any chance you get to perform is a unique one,” said Nelson. “This is definitely a big opportunity to see what it will be like as a professional.”

Of the thousands who competed in YAGP regionals around the globe, Nelson and Bettes were among only 300 who will compete in YAGP finals in New York City later this month.