Macomb Ballerina Travels to NYC to Compete in Youth America Grand Prix

Traveling to New York City for the Youth America Grand Prix finals this week, Macomb Township native Rylie McHale will put her talent to the test against aspiring ballet dancers from the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Africa, Brazil and other nations around the world.

For the next two days, the 12-year-old McHale will compete in what is considered the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition. The YAGP is held annually around the world and in New York City, and is open to dance students of all nationalities age 9 to 19.

Every year, the competition awards more than $250,000 annually in scholarships to leading dance schools worldwide.

McHale, who dances at the Rochester School of Dance, under the direction of Cornelia Sampson, qualified for the finals in March, finishing in the top 12 for her contemporary and classical ballet solo pieces at a YAGP competition in Indiana. McHale was also honored with a third place junior age division in the contemporary dance category.  

Now in New York, McHale will perform her classical piece in the junior women soloist competition Monday and her contemporary piece in the same category on Wednesday.

Best of luck, Rylie!

For more information on the YAGP finals, visit the website.