On Wednesday, hundreds of young dancers gathered at the Plaza Hotel in New York to set a new world record for dancing on pointe in one place. The event was organized by Youth America Grand Prix, a ballet scholarship program celebrating its 25th anniversary with performances at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
The dancers, ranging in age from 9 to 19, were both students competing for scholarships and professional dancers who were alums of the program. The music of Tchaikovsky played as the ballerinas gracefully stood on tiptoes and performed a step called bourrée, switching their weight rapidly from one foot to the other for a full minute.
Amidst the anticipation, Tina Shi, an adjudicator for Guinness World Records, announced the final count. “353, that is a new Guinness world record! Congratulations!” The previous record for the most ballerinas on pointe en masse was 306, making this achievement a significant milestone for the New York-based Youth America Grand Prix.
The event showcased the talent and dedication of these young dancers, highlighting their passion for ballet and the hard work they put into their craft. It was a moment of celebration and triumph for all those involved, marking a proud milestone in the history of the program.