South Carolina dancers competed in 3rd Annual Grand Jeté student dance competition
GREENVILLE, SC— The 3rd annual Grand Jeté student ballet and contemporary dance competition, hosted by the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, included 86 dancers ages 10-19 from eight dance schools across the state, including two independent dancers.
The Grand Jeté competition was adjudicated by out-of-state, nationally-renowned dance professionals Jorden Morris, Akua Noni Parker, and Sarah Wroth. Dancers competed by division for cash prizes as well as scholarships and acceptances from national collegiate, trainee, and summer dance programs.
Senior Ballet
- 1st Place: Anna Ohi, SCGSAH
- 2nd Place: Kayla Breedlove, Academy of Lexington Youth Ballet
- 3rd Place: Jonimarie Purtle, DanceArts Greenville
Senior Contemporary
- 1st Place: Kendra Brown, Dance Conservatory of Charleston
- 2nd Place: Ava Kabealo, SCGSAH
- 3rd Place: Caolin Witherspoon, SCGSAH
Junior Ballet
- 1st Place: Lily Grace Patterson, Independent
- 2nd Place: Lillian Mozie, International Ballet
- 3rd Place: Genevieve Grunenwald, DanceArts Greenville
Junior Contemporary
- 1st Place: Lillian Mozie, International Ballet
- 2nd Place: Lily Grace Patterson, Independent
- 3rd Place: Genevieve Grunenwald, DanceArts Greenville
Student Choreography
- Kendra Brown, Dance Conservatory of Charleston
Honorable Mentions
- Senior - Sophia Brown, International Ballet
- Junior - Sarah Tiller, Okatie Youth Ballet
Promise Award
- Kinsley Henry, Academy of Lexington Youth Ballet
In addition, 51 participants were recognized with invitations to audition, scholarships and acceptances to Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, College of Charleston, Dean College, Kennesaw State University, New World School of the Arts, Point Park University, Point Park International Summer Dance and the University of Utah Ballet Program.
“We are grateful that so many dancers were able to join us in person this year,” said Josée Garant, Grand Jeté executive director. “Throughout the pandemic, these dancers persevered in a safe manner to continue to dance, teach, choreograph and direct. This year’s event was truly a celebration of the dance talent in South Carolina.”
The Governor’s School would like to thank Susan Anderson, chair of the University of South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory; David Keller; The Sock Basket; and the Governor’s School Foundation for their support and contributions toward the competition. For more information about Grand Jeté, visit www.scgsah.org/grand-jete.