Alston Macgill, 12, 1st Place winner Junior Division at the Columbia, SC Youth America Grand Prix Regional…See you in NY in March:))
- Artists
- Alan Hineline
- Alex Wong
- Anne Marie Melendez
- Bennyroyce Royon
- Brian Gibbs
- Candice Thompson
- Carla Korbes
- Cathy Godeghesi
- Christopher Wheeldon
- David Blumenfeld
- David Hallberg
- Deborah Friedes
- Dr. David Rosenthal
- Dylan Ward
- Evan Mckie
- Gia Kourlas
- Gwyneth Muller
- Justin Peck
- Kate Bordwell
- Kate Mehan
- Kristin Osler
- Kristin Sloan
- Kyra Nichols
- Lauren Stewart
- Madison Keesler
- Maia Jordaan
- Matthew Murphy
- Megan Kurashige
- Miki Orihara
- Noelani Pantastico
- Patricio Melo
- Sophie Flack
- Susan Kim
- Taylor Gordon
- Tony Schultz
- Veronica Moretti Niebuhr
- Vail International Dance Festival
- Topics
- Follow
Janie
Beautiful photo! First place was well deserved - she was amazing!
Jan 18, 2010 @ 02:51
Catherine Paull
I’m not fond of contortionists in ballet. This photo tells me nothing of her ability to dance. I’ve been hearing that the emphasis at YAGP has turned more towards tricks and away from artistry. This photo makes me fear the rumors are true.
Jan 18, 2010 @ 13:18
veronica
Miss Macgill is far from a contortionist. She is a beautiful young artist. I’m sorry you don’t like the photo I chose.
Jan 18, 2010 @ 15:16
Zoe
Well, If you have ever seen Alston dance you would change your mind, this young lady is an amazing dancer and believe me all the artistry is there! She is truly one of the special dancers that stand out. I’ve seen her perform many times and never thought of her as a “contortionist”. Sometimes you cannot make judgements on something you haven’t personally seen!!
Jan 18, 2010 @ 15:18
Caryn Ronis
Did you actually SEE her dance? If not you should keep uninformed comments like that to yourself. I have seen her dance, and she is one of the most graceful and beautiful dancers I have ever seen. I’m sure you’re a smart woman, or at least YOU think you are. But this post makes you sound ignorant and mean. Perhaps someone you know did NOT place first?…
Jan 18, 2010 @ 15:33
linzy
She is far far from a contortionist. People can not judge from a picture how someone dances. She is one of the best dancers I have ever seen. She is a very beautiful and FLEXABLE dancer! End of story.
Jan 18, 2010 @ 15:45
Janie
I do not see Alston as a “contortionist” in this photo. I do agree that ballet is changing and YAGP reflects it. No more is the norm a thin little waif with nice lines. Today I see healthier, more athletic bodies because more is expected of dancers than in the past. But artistry is not being sacrificed. More is expected and YAGP reflects this as well. If you have opportunity to catch the finals in NY, I encourage you to do so. I think you will see the future of ballet is in good hands. And be sure to keep your eye out for Alston because you will be hearing her name mentioned a lot in the future. Because she will bring a tear to your eyes with her artistry. PS - I DO like your photo, cute.
Jan 18, 2010 @ 15:57
Katie
My daughter has only been dancing for two years and she looks up to Alston! She is a wonderful dancer and we are so very proud of her and what she has done!!
Jan 18, 2010 @ 16:12
Caitlin
Alston is not just another spineless dancer in many senses of the word. She is strong, courageous, and detailed on top of possessing an incredibly able body. I believe that if she did not bare her soul on stage, this picture would have never happened. Please be respectful and give others the benefit of the doubt when you have not done your research. This picture is only a small reflection of Alston Macgill the dancer.
Jan 18, 2010 @ 16:26
Angela
What makes you think Alston is a “contortionist”? It’s silly to believe rumors of YAGP especially when you have never been to one of those competitions to see for yourself. To make assumptions like that and say things about a 12 year old girl who works her hardest everyday in the Studio is just rude. The next time you see a “contortionist” you better be at a Rhythimic Gymnastics Competition or Cirque de Soleil.
Jan 18, 2010 @ 18:03
Les Underwood
Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion… But as we know opinions are like holes in the rectum, full of crap and they stink. I have seen Alston perform on several venues, and if you wanted to see a contorsionist, join the circus! She is a talented young dancer, and to top it off she has all the responsibilities of her other activities, (school being the major of them)It is a disgrace to know that some people just want to be negative, and make everyone feel HER shame! Well I wish Alston all the best and everyone needs to remember her name because they will be speaking of her for years to come! Great work Alston!!
Jan 18, 2010 @ 18:30
Mary-Margaret Macgill
I respect that there are disparate views about YAGP. I am just proud of all of the STUDIO dancers, who performed this weekend. It is a gutsy, tough thing to put yourself out there to be judged. It is not for everyone and is of course, not the only path to a professional dance career. We try to take away positives from the experience and then move on. I am proud of my little “contortionist” and “trickster.” Hahaha, it is just funny to me bc I have never thought of her that way. Anytime pictures or videos are put on line, there are going to be negative as well as positive comments. That is just part of life; you have to be tough, both emotionally and physically, to be a ballet dancer!
Jan 18, 2010 @ 18:52
Laura
Alston is amazing and beautiful! She is a dancer the younger girls look up to and try to be like, both in ability and attitude. We continue to wish Alston the best and everyone at the Studio is SO PROUD of her accomplishments!
Jan 18, 2010 @ 19:08
Drew Kilby
I attended YAGP this year because my little sister could know what to expect next year when she competes for the first time. I have been to many ballets across the south and I was amazed at the level these young men and ladies were competing. Every dancer there did an amazing performance. I only wish I would’ve had my camera for more then just the Junior classical competition. Miss Macgill put on an amazing performance and came away with exactly what she deserved which was First place.
I have some photos from the Junior classical competition on my website. drewkilby.tumblr.com
Jan 18, 2010 @ 19:44
Rick S
Alston truly is amazing — a gifted dancer, with, should she wish it, a promising professional career ahead. Unlike Ms. Paull, I have rarely been able to judge a dancer’s abilities by viewing one still picture — no matter how vivid my imagination. I would not argue Ms. Paull’s point concerning artistry and physicality in dance — but I would very much argue with her judgement in using this particular forum to express it.
The Savannah dance community has had many wonderful opportunities to watch Alston Macgill’s talent blossom over the last few years. It is Ms. Paull’s very great loss that she did not have the opportunity to participate in this magical process.
Jan 18, 2010 @ 20:19
Catherine Paull
It’s amazing how people did not respond to what I *said*:
<>
This is my opinion - and an argument can be made by those who appreciate it, but hateful words because I have this opinion?
<>
I stand by this statement - the photo does not give me any clue about the artistry of the dancer.
<>
I have indeed been hearing this for some years now.
<>
I stand by this as well - when the photo chosen above all others shows a contorted body position, it makes me wonder about the values and emphasis.
I did not disparage the dancer, and never claimed that she was a sub-standard dancer or that she lacked artistry or any such thing. Those who chose to speak harshly to and about me based on their own assumptions should consider what was actually said.
I’ve heard about the careless rudeness and incivility on the internet, and it is disheartening to experience it personally.
Jan 19, 2010 @ 12:51