Dance

Dance is one of 10 artistic disciplines in YoungArts’ national competition. This discipline encompasses ballet, choreography, hip hop, jazz, modern-contemporary, tap, and world dance forms.

Dance winners at National YoungArts Week

Competition Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be able to answer ”Yes“ to these statements:

  • I am either a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident/green card recipient, or I can demonstrate that I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States.  
  • I am in grades 10–12 or 15–18 years of age on December 1 of the year I am applying. 
  • If I’m selected as an award winner with distinction, this would be my first time attending National YoungArts Week.

Application Requirements

The strongest auditions demonstrate a clear technique, a strong, unique voice and a sophisticated sense of nuance and range.

The 2026 YoungArts application opens in July 2025. 

Resources

Tips and Testimonials from Winners and Guest Artists

What's unique about YoungArts classes and mentorship? | Ernest Baker (2009 Dance & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts)

How did YoungArts impact your life? | Yara Travieso (2005 Dance)

Select Performances from Winners

Lillian Mozie | Ballet

Yuniel Betancourt | Choreography

Edward Chen | Hip Hop

Vyoma Bhanap | Indian

Isabel Kaiser | Irish Step

Cassidy Reigel | Jazz

Uriel Ramirez | Mexican Folkloric

Samuel Fine | Modern-Contemporary

Amelie Or | Tap

See our FAQ for answers to common questions about the competition and application.

Nouhoum Koita (2020 Dance & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts) performing during National YoungArts Week

The monetary award I received after National YoungArts Week helped make it possible for me to continue my training at The Juilliard School… and I’m extremely grateful for that.” 

— Nouhoum Koita (2020 Dance & U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts)