ATLANTA — The South's best ballet students are competing for a chance to one day turn professional.
Bernd Petersen of Channel 2 I was enrolled at Georgia Tech, where I had a chance to get a special scholarship.
These awards are awarded to the most outstanding ballet companies from the most prestigious ballet academies in the United States and Europe.
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The talent at Georgia Tech is off the charts.
Elsa Kusky said it happens the moment she steps on stage.
“Something snapped inside me, and I was like, Okay, this is it,” Kusky said.
She is one of the contestants in the Youth America Grand Prix.
“Someone called us the Olympics of ballet,” said artistic director Alexei Moskalenko.
This is a worldwide contest held every year. The semifinals were held at Georgia Tech on Monday and Tuesday.
“This is the world's largest ballet competition for students,” said Joan Aucoin, director of International City School of Ballet.
Winners will receive scholarships at top ballet academies in the United States and Europe.
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Jolie Rose Lombardo of Atlanta won a few years ago and went on to work for the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany.
“It's an indescribable feeling to be able to do what I love as a job. I did it. I achieved my goal. I'm a ballerina,” Lombardo said.
Miharu Kikuchi also wants to follow in her footsteps.
“Nothing else gives me more joy than dance. It would mean a lot to me if I could make a living doing it,” Kikuchi said.
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That is also Kusky's dream. It started in kindergarten.
“I think it's going to take me to so many places. I want to do everything I can,” Kusky said.
The Youth Grand Prix finals will be held in April in New York City.
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