Youth America Grand Prix Appoints Amanda Zoch as Dir of External Affairs

Youth America Grand Prix, the world's largest student ballet scholarship competition that awards over $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide, announces the appointment of Amanda Zoch as Director of External Affairs (http://www.yagp.org/).

Ms. Zoch brings a dynamic background to her new role at YAGP. She spent years working in finance at JPMorgan Chase before deciding to make a full time move to the arts. Her strong business background combined with a wealth of experience running PR and fundraising campaigns for numerous dance companies, gives her a unique expertise to help lead YAGP into its next period of growth.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help expand the footprint of this incredible organization. YAGP is developing and nurturing some of the world's most talented young dancers, many of whom could not afford dance training otherwise. This program is having a profound impact on the ballet community by ensuring that training is accessible to students who show great potential. By continuing this positive momentum, we have the opportunity to ensure YAGP's legacy as a leading force in dance education."

Larissa Saveliev, Artistic Director and Founder of YAGP, led the search process. "We are thrilled to welcome Amanda to the YAGP family. She brings to the role a view that is passionate, fresh, and forward-thinking. Amanda's multi-faceted experience as well as the technical and managerial skills that she developed at JPMorgan Chase will contribute towards advancing YAGP's mission. "

Ms. Zoch succeeds Sergey Gordeev, who has served in this role from 1999. Mr. Gordeev will continue to serve on YAGP's board of directors.

About YAGP

Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world's largest student ballet scholarship competition that awards over $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide. The competition is held annually around the world and in New York City, and is open to dance students of all nationalities 9-19 years old.

Launched in 1999 by two former dancers of the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet, Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, YAGP is also a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization created with a mission to provide extraordinary educational and professional opportunities to young dancers, acting as a stepping stone to a professional dance career. It aims to fulfill its mission by offering:

- Educational opportunities for dance students around the world
- Opportunity to receive contracts to dance companies worldwide
- Scholarships to leading dance schools in the U.S. and abroad
- Invaluable professional exposure to world-renowned dance professionals
- Performance opportunities on some of the world's most prestigious stages and at dance festivals around the world
- Workshops with renowned master teachers and judges of the competition

YAGP has become the world's largest dance education initiative, which has awarded over two million dollars in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide. Over 40,000 dancers have participated in YAGP's international workshops, competitions, and audition classes. Over 250 YAGP alumni are now dancing with 50 leading companies worldwide, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, among others. YAGP's contributions to international dance education were recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with a membership in UNESCO's prestigious Conseil International de la Danse (CID).