YoungArts is now accepting applications

Are you a talented 15- to 18-year-old ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, tap or world dancer? Or do you know someone who is? If so, it’s time to check out The National YoungArts Foundation, better known as “YoungArts” for short.

This organization identifies and nurtures the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts in the U.S. It assists them at critical junctures in their educational and professional development with financial awards of up to $10,000, professional development and educational experiences (such as working with a renowned mentor like Mikhail Baryshnikov), and performance and exhibition opportunities at some of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. YoungArts is now accepting applications. Young dancers should apply by October 14!

YoungArts Winners are eligible for nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic and artistic excellence. U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts receive a Presidential Medal at the White House and perform and exhibit at the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian.

YoungArts alumni who have gone on to become leaders in the dance field include choreographer Camille A. Brown and veteran dancer Desmond Richardson.

For more information, visit www.youngarts.org/do-you-know-a-young-artist. 

Photo: YoungArts’ 2015 Winner in Dance Nicole Ishimaru, as photographed by Katherine Bollens, the 2011 YoungArts Winner in Photography.