Photo Flash: 120 Talented Young Performers Hit the Stage at 2016 FLORIDA YOUTH DANCE GALA

Mauricio Cañete, Founder and director of MC Dance Productions, welcomed more than 120 talented dancers from 18 different dance academies in the 3rd annual FLORIDA YOUTH DANCE GALA earlier this month. Lauren Anderson, the first African-American to be promoted to principal dancer at Houston Ballet, hosted the dazzling, dance-packed event. Scroll down for photos!

Sponsored by Só Dança USA, a leading provider of quality dance supplies, this year's FLORIDA YOUTH DANCE GALA was held at the Duncan Theater in Lake Worth. The evening's repertoire ranged from classical to Balanchine, solo numbers to large ensembles, and the total performance was rewarded by a long and enthusiastic standing ovation from the audience.

Dedicated to "celebrating and gathering talented dancers" from all over the state, the FLORIDA YOUTH DANCE GALA "showcased new choreography, finalists from major dance competitions and some electrifying young dancers, resulting in one of the most memorable dance event of this season," says founder Mauricio Cañete, a former dancer with Houston Ballet, Ballet Florida and Ballet Eloelle, who has wowed audiences in England, Russia, Hong Kong, Canada, Austria, Germany, Japan, China and all over the Far East. "From the beginning, my primary goal has been to give the next generation of dancers the opportunity to perform in a professional environment."

"It was a pleasure to watch the incredible Lauren Anderson holding a Master Class with the talented young dancers earlier in the day, and she was the perfect host for this year'sFLORIDA YOUTH DANCE GALA," he adds. "After the performance, she even presented a scholarship to Houston Ballet Academy to Jules Mabie from Ballet East in West Palm Beach."

Cañete gave special praise to 16-year-old Pierce Herrmann, who served as photographer for the Gala. "I like to give young talent the opportunity to excel and with Pierce's perfect timing for dancers, it was a special pleasure to work with him on this amazing event."

For more information about FLORIDA YOUTH DANCE GALA, visit www.FloridaYouthDanceGala.com.

Photo Credit: Pierce Herrmann