Breaking barriers: New York’s Plaza Hotel hosts 353 ballerinas in white tutus, setting new Guinness World Record for dance on pointe

New York’s Plaza Hotel recently hosted a unique event that set a new Guinness World Record. The nonprofit organization Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), which organizes competitions for young dancers, celebrated its 25th anniversary by gathering 353 ballerinas in white tutus at the hotel. During the event, all 353 ballerinas danced en pointe, or on their toes, for a full minute, breaking the previous record of 309 dancers.

The main goal of the event was to showcase the healing power of dance and bring people together during times of disconnection. Sergey Gordeev, the director of external affairs at YAGP, explained that dance is a powerful force that brings connection and uplifts people. He shared with Gothamist that “the big why” behind this event was to highlight the importance of dance as an art form that can unite and inspire people in positive ways.

The success of this event not only set a new world record but also emphasized the significance of dance as a form of self-expression and community building. It demonstrated how even in moments of disconnection, dance can serve as a unifying force and bring people together in celebration and joy.