After conducting the first semi-finals in 3 locations in the United States, YAGP holds its first Season Finals in New York City. At the Finals, students audition for scholarship to 8 leading schools in the United States. The top prize of the competition – the Grand Prix – is a professional job contract with American Ballet Theatre Studio Company.

YAGP pioneers its now-iconic Gala format, “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow,” where the world’s most promising young dancers share the stage with the world’s most celebrated professional ballet artists.

YAGP registers its status as a 501(C)(3) non-profit educational organization with a mission to support and develop world-class dancers, ages 9-19, of all economic, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds by providing scholarship auditions, performance and education opportunities.