Gwynn Root has studied ballet for 11 years at the Johnson City Ballet Academy
SPARTANBURG, S.C. ? Gwynn Root, 16-year-old from Jonesborough placed in the top 12 for the second year in a row in the senior classical ballet division of the semi-finals of the Youth America Grand Prix Ballet Competition. This year's event took place on Feb 22 at Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C.
More than 60 men and women ages 15 to 19 competed in the senior classical ballet division and more than 40 dance schools were represented. The Youth America Grand Prix or YAGP, is the largest student scholarship competition in the world. Gwynn performed two classical variations at the event: Aurora's variation from Sleeping Beauty and the variation from Walpurgis Nacht Pas de Deux.
Participants were judged on ballet technique, artistry and overall impression.
Gwynn has studied ballet for 11 years at the Johnson City Ballet Academy directed by Susan Pace-White and Traci Honeycutt. Her ballet coach for the event was Pat Holden of Mount Carmel, Tenn., who teaches advanced ballet at the academy.
Gwynn has been invited to participate in the master classes ? the YAGP Intensive and attend the Gala performance and reception in April in New York, NY. Later in April, she will be traveling to Buffalo, NY, to dance the role of Giselle as a guest performer with the Buffalo City Ballet in their spring performance.
In May, Gwynn will again perform the same role in Johnson City at Seeger Chapel on the campus of Milligan College when Johnson City Ballet Academy presents their spring recital on May 23d.
