LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I first met this young girl last year at New York City Finals in the
lobby of the Empire Hotel. She was this tiny, little, long limbed,
blonde thing waiting around in the lobby. It became an inside
joke of running into each other frequently, and somehow we
became pals. This year, I met her again, but this time she was
this long, refined young woman. Jolie Rose Lombardo, from
Orlando Ballet, has been a long time darling of the YAGP and is
finally ready to fly. She not only won first place in the Junior
Women’s Category, but she will also be the youngest
competitor at the Jackson Competition coming up in June.
It is stories like this one. No, not stories, lives that are being
currently lived in, that keep me coming back to the YAGP every
year. Stories of great accomplishment, hard work, dedication,
and determination that keep me inspired to go on in this brutal
industry. It is a reminder that these kids are putting their careers
and futures in our hands. Those of us who are lucky enough to
have influence, a say, or teach a new generation in the ballet
world should constantly be reminded that it is our responsibility
to protect this children’s futures and ensure a better, more
inclusive, more compassionate environment.
It is our job as teachers and educators in ballet to keep the
hope and passion alive in this art form that is so easily shrouded
in drama, politics, and body shaming. It is our job to help
facilitate these young people into the best possible
opportunities for them, ensuring them a future; even if that
means sending them halfway across the globe. It is our job, to
help keep this art form alive and give these kids the best
possible chance to succeed in this beautiful and sometimes
cruel industry. I hope I am doing my part, and doing the most I
can do with A Ballet Education.