ESCONDIDO, Calif. (KGTV) - Hundreds of young dancers will be in Escondido this weekend for the Youth America Grand Prix Regional Semi-Finals in ballet.
The four-day competition takes place Thursday through Sunday at the Escondido Center for the Arts.
"This competition really helps everyone to find their best place," says Egle Spokaite, the Artistic Director for the Ballet Institute of San Diego.
But, she says it's just as crucial for the younger girls to get the fell of competition and learn what it takes to stand out.
"To win the competition is a big deal," she says. "But number one, to start competing in a new division when you are the youngest, and you're together with older dancers, every small step gives a lot of improvement. Every, like, the small steps, gives a lot of improvement."
Dancers say they spend several hours every day perfecting their routine. Winners will advance to the finals in New York in April.
"Maybe not everyone, or even most of them, will become professional dancers," says Spokaite. "But they will be good strong professionals in their professions. Because they know what it takes to chase a goal and be a winner."
The competition is open to the public all weekend long. For a full schedule, click here.
