On Wednesday, the Plaza Hotel in New York City witnessed a breathtaking sight as hundreds of young dancers, dressed in pristine white tutus and sporting perfectly styled hair, gathered to set a new world record for the most ballerinas dancing on pointe in a single location. The event was organized by Youth America Grand Prix, a prestigious ballet scholarship program celebrating its 25th anniversary with a series of performances at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
The participating dancers, ranging in age from 9 to 19, included both students vying for scholarships and professional dancers who had previously participated in the program. As the iconic music of Tchaikovsky filled the air, the ballerinas gracefully rose onto the tips of their toes and began to execute a rapid weight-shifting step known as bourrée. They maintained this challenging position for a full minute, showcasing their exceptional skill, poise, and dedication to their craft.
After the performance, Tina Shi, an adjudicator from Guinness World Records, announced the official results: “353, that is a new Guinness world record! Congratulations!” The room erupted in applause and cheers as the young dancers celebrated their incredible achievement, surpassing the previous record of 306 ballerinas dancing on pointe en masse.
Youth America Grand Prix, based in New York, has been operating the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition since 1999. The organization has played a vital role in nurturing and supporting the next generation of ballet dancers, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams of a professional career in the world of dance.
The record-breaking event at the Plaza Hotel not only showcased the exceptional abilities of these young dancers but also highlighted the enduring beauty and grace of classical ballet. It served as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that these aspiring ballerinas bring to their craft, and the important role that organizations like Youth America Grand Prix play in fostering and celebrating their talents.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.