Hundreds of young dancers will take the stage this weekend as the Youth America Grand Prix returns to Massachusetts, bringing what organizers describe as one of the world’s largest ballet scholarship competitions to Worcester.
The event, which began Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Hanover Theatre and Conservatory, features dancers ages 9 to 19 from across the state competing for scholarships and attention of top ballet schools and companies.
The schedule shows performances will begin early morning and last until late night. The theatre will be filled with movement, as organizers say participants will perform classical and contemporary variations before judges from leading institutions. For many, the competition represents a first step toward a professional career. It is a chance to be seen by such organizations such as the American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet, and New York City Ballet.
The Youth America Grand Prix, founded in 1999, has grown into a global network. Over the past 27 years, it has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and helped launch the careers of hundreds of dancers, according to organizers.
The weekend unfolds in a tightly packed schedule, with events running from morning into late evening each day. The theatre opens around 8 a.m. on most days, with performances beginning shortly after and continuing in carefully structured segments. Dancers are grouped by age and categories like pre-competitive, junior and senior divisions in both classical and contemporary styles.
The competition began with younger dancers on Thursday and gradually shifts to older, more advanced performers through the weekend. Ensemble pieces are featured in the evenings. Sunday concludes the senior divisions and an award ceremony to close out the event.
In addition to the onstage competition, dancers participate in master classes at the Hanover Conservatory, where they train in classical technique and contemporary styles.
Beyond the competition, organizers say the event is about providing dancers with opportunities. The program aims to connect young dancers from diverse backgrounds with professional training and career pathways.
“This is where the next big ballet stars are scouted,” the organizers wrote in a media advisory.
Aayushi Datta can be reached at aayushi.datta@globe.com.