Youth America Grand Prix Invites You, You, You and You to Join the First Position Club

Gabe Stone Shayer and Katie Williams, YAGP alums and American Ballet Theatre dancers, at the launch party for the First Position Club. Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan.

HEADS UP: We know, it seems like only six months ago that ‘twas the season to be jolly. How is it that every year you have no idea what in the world to get those on your list?! Never fear, the elves at VEVLYN’S PEN are, of course, on the case. Up until 24 Dec., we will introduce at least one or a series of products, items and brands that we believe is worthy of consideration as a holiday gift(s). Also look for at least one article dedicated to stocking stuffers and at least one highlighting themed gifts. Could be theater. Or food&drink. Fashion, maybe? You’ll just have to stay tuned and read all about it. Happy, responsible shopping!

BY TAMARA BECK

IMAGINE scoring an invitation to an exclusive rehearsal of a ballet before opening night, witnessing the method behind the magic. Seeing firsthand the agony and the ecstasy of the feet.

Hostess Caroline Howard Hyman with son, Mac Hyman, Anne Dexter Jones and Sarah Stavrou at the First Position Club launch party.

Speaking of feet, ever wonder where the ballerina buys her pointe shoes? Did you imagine that they were Christian Louboutins or Manolo Blahniks?

Imagine no more, dear dance enthusiast. Simply become a member of Youth American Grand Prix’s (YAGP) new First Position Club and be in the room for "The Making of a Pointe Shoe" (8 Feb. 2016) when dancers from major ballet companies and a top point shoe maker show and tell. A reception follows at a ballet patron's home.

>Going from fan to patron can feel like a grand jeté. To that end YAGP, the not-for-profit whose mission to celebrate, educate and help young dancers, has devised this plan to ease you in, in small steps.

The privileges of membership in the First Position Club include the aforementioned perks, plus priority access to purchase tickets to YAGP, VIP seating in YAGP Finals Week auditions and other opportunities to interact and share experiences with the artists, directors, educators and other celebrated leaders of the dance community.

Launched in November and named after the award-winning documentary of the same name, First Position has membership tiers from $250 to $10,000.

The First Position Club is “a group of friendly people who want to help aspiring dancers all over the world,” says YAGP booster Caroline Howard Hyman who hosted the club's launch party at her Upper East Side home. “They get together throughout the year with organized events such as private collections, rehearsals and interviews. The experiences are unique!"

YAGP supporters Judith M. Hoffman, Irene Shen and alum and American Ballet Theatre dancer Fang Zhongjin.

Indeed, only a select few will see the private rehearsal (5 Jan. 2016) of Daniil Simkin’s "INTENSIO" before its opening night performance at The Joyce Theater (5-10 Jan. 2016).

Visit http://www.yagp.org/?page_id=848 to learn more about the First Position Club.