We are incredibly proud to share that seven of our talented young dancers recently participated in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) competition held in San Francisco. It was a remarkable experience for everyone, and our dancers put in an immense amount of effort, dedication, and passion. We are beyond proud of their hard work and the stunning performances they delivered.

Each of our students showcased their individual growth and talent, performing a variety of stunning pieces that truly captured the essence of their commitment to dance. Here's a list of the performances they brought to the stage:

Classical Ballet Repertoire

Giselle Variation (Awarded Top 24)
Choreographer: M. Petipa
Dancer: Stephanie Xu

Coppelia Act 3
Choreographer: A.ST.LEON
Dancer: Stephanie Xu

Coppelia Swanhilda Act 1
Choreographer: A.ST.LEON
Dancer: Jennifer He

Kitri Act III, Don Quixote
Choreographer: M. Petipa
Dancer: Christina Tian

Kitri Act I, Don Quixote
Choreographer: M. Petipa
Dancer: Lola Xu

Le Corsaire Act I
Choreographer: M. Petipa
Dancer: Lola Xu

Le Corsaire Act III Gulnara Variation
Choreographer: M. Petipa
Dancer: Sarah Xue

Satanella
Choreographer: M. Petipa
Dancer: Sarah Xue

Contemporary Pieces

Solo Performance: "Omoi" (Awarded Top 12)

"Omoi" is a deeply introspective contemporary piece that captures the emotions of longing and remembrance through fluid, continuous movement. Stephanie Xu, at 13, performs with grace and maturity, seamlessly transitioning between expansive, flowing sequences and moments of quiet vulnerability. The choreography is both emotionally expressive and technically demanding, requiring precision, control, and a deep connection to the music and narrative.

Dancer: Stephanie Xu
Choreographer: Nan Hao
Music: Saudade · Gabriel Albuquerqüe

Solo Performance: "The Thing"

"The Thing" is an abstract contemporary piece that delves into the darker, more mysterious aspects of human emotion and movement. Stephanie Xu commands the stage with quick, sharp motions that slice through space, creating striking, unexpected shapes. The choreography is intense and dynamic, blending controlled chaos with calculated precision, leaving the audience captivated by its eerie, almost otherworldly energy.

Dancer: Stephanie Xu
Choreographer: Julia McCullock
Music: THE TH1NG (ft. Victoria Sin, Shy One) · Yaeji

Solo Performance: "Meds"

"Meds" is a raw and untamed contemporary piece that embodies the wild, unfiltered essence of freedom. Jennifer He, at 14, brings an animalistic intensity to the movement, shifting between explosive bursts of energy and grounded, organic transitions. The choreography is primal and instinctual, with unpredictable dynamics that blur the line between control and chaos, evoking a sense of liberation and raw human nature.

Dancer: Jennifer He
Choreographer: Shahar Binyamini
Music: Meds · Cristobal Tapia De Veer

Solo Performance: "Everything Must Change"

"Everything Must Change" is a powerful and intense contemporary piece that explores transformation and the inevitability of change. Christina Tian, at 14, delivers a dynamic performance, weaving between explosive, high-energy movements and controlled, suspenseful moments. The choreography is relentless and emotionally charged, pushing the dancer to embody both struggle and resilience, leaving the audience breathless with its urgency and depth.

Dancer: Christina Tian
Choreographer: Julia McCullock
Music: Everything Must Change · Ólafur Arnalds

Solo Performance: "Suppress"

"Suppress" is a deeply emotional and heavy contemporary solo that delves into the internal struggle of holding back emotions. Christina Tian embodies the weight of suppression through controlled, restrained movements that contrast with moments of tension and release. The choreography is haunting and raw, with a palpable sense of inner conflict, leaving the audience feeling the burden of unspoken emotions and silent battles.

Dancer: Christina Tian
Choreographer: Nan Hao
Music: We Had A Week · Jimmy Stofer

Solo Performance: "Blue Bass"

"Blue Bass" is a bold and technically demanding contemporary jazz piece that radiates power and precision. At just 12 years old, Lola Xu commands the stage with unwavering confidence, executing sharp, intricate movements with effortless control. The choreography is dynamic and rhythmic, blending fluid jazz influences with explosive accents, showcasing her remarkable strength, versatility, and stage presence.

Dancer: Lola Xu
Choreographer: Nan Hao
Music: Bone Dance · Deya Dova

Solo Performance: "Mui"

"Mui" is a mesmerizing and unconventional contemporary piece infused with rich Southeast Asian musical influences. Lola Xu brings the choreography to life with intricate, almost otherworldly movements that feel both organic and avant-garde. The dance is bold and innovative, blending fluid isolations with sharp, unexpected accents, creating a captivating and surreal visual experience that keeps the audience intrigued from start to finish.

Dancer: Lola Xu
Choreographer: Julia McCullock
Music: miu · Marina Herlop

Solo Performance: "Near Light"

"Near Light" is a profoundly emotional contemporary piece that captures the fragile, bittersweet journey of approaching heaven’s door yet never quite reaching it. Sarah Xue, at just 12, delivers a hauntingly beautiful performance, her movements delicate yet full of longing. The choreography weaves between moments of weightlessness and struggle, evoking a sense of yearning, hope, and the aching distance between life and the light beyond.

Dancer: Sarah Xue
Choreographer: Nan Hao
Music: Near Light · Ólafur Arnalds

Solo Performance: "Waves"

"Waves" is a fluid and expressive lyrical piece that embodies the ebb and flow of the ocean. Sarah Xue moves with effortless grace, her movements mirroring the rise and fall of waves—sometimes gentle and flowing, other times powerful and surging. The choreography is deeply connected to the music, capturing the ever-changing nature of water while evoking a sense of freedom, emotion, and natural beauty.

Dancer: Sarah Xue
Choreographer: Catherine Xu
Music: Waves · Dean Lewis

Group Performance: "Sway...Drift"

"Sway Drift" is a breathtaking Chinese ballet fusion contemporary piece that elegantly captures the gentle, rhythmic descent of autumn leaves. Dancers wield petal-shaped fans with exquisite precision, their movements embodying the delicate sway and drift of nature. The choreography seamlessly blends the fluid grace of Chinese classical dance with the refined technique of ballet, creating an innovative and explorative performance rich in cultural depth. Each motion is a poetic expression of change and impermanence, immersing the audience in a dreamlike, visual symphony of falling leaves.

Dancers: Bridget Zhou, Christina Tian, Emma Zhou, Jennifer He, Lola Xu, Sarah Xue, Stephanie Xu
Choreographer: Nan Hao
Music: The Left Hand Refers to the Moon - Cui Jianghui

Group Performance: "Bangalore Whispers"

"Bangalore Whispers" is an enchanting contemporary jazz piece infused with the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Indian-inspired music. The choreography features intricate arm movements that flow and twist with precision, pushing the dancer to explore new physical boundaries while maintaining a deep connection to the music. The shapes created by the body are both dynamic and graceful, reflecting the complexity of the music and the emotional depth of the performance. The piece is a beautiful fusion of culture, rhythm, and movement, capturing the essence of movement as an expressive art form.

Dancers: Bridget Zhou, Christina Tian, Emma Zhou, Jennifer He, Lola Xu, Sarah Xue, Stephanie Xu
Choreographer: Nan Hao
Music: Bangalore Whispers (feat. MD Pallavi) · Andi Otto · MD Pallavi

Each student worked incredibly hard to prepare for this event, dedicating countless hours to perfecting their technique, artistry, and stage presence. They truly embodied the spirit of perseverance and passion, and we are so proud of everything they accomplished.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants at YAGP. It was an amazing opportunity for our dancers to showcase their skills and be part of such a significant event in the dance community. Thank you to all the parents, teachers, and supporters who helped make this journey possible.

We are excited to see how these experiences continue to shape our dancers' futures and look forward to many more incredible performances ahead!

Bay Dance Collective's Young Stars Shine at YAGP in San Francisco