YAGP 2027 Semi-Finals – Los Angeles, CA (Irvine)

Youth America Grand Prix, the world's largest international student ballet competition, kicks off its 2027 season with a semi-final at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Dancers from about age 9 through 18 take the stage in classical and contemporary solo divisions, plus ensemble pieces, all hoping to earn a spot at the YAGP Finals.

Friday afternoon belongs to the Pre-Competitive dancers, ages 9 to 11, with contemporary and classical solos. Saturday is a full day of performances, starting with Junior classical solos in the morning, moving through Senior classical and contemporary solos and the ensemble competition, and finishing with an evening awards ceremony.

For families with young dancers, this is an inspiring chance to see what serious ballet training looks like up close and to cheer on friends, classmates and siblings. Parents should know that photos and videos are not allowed during the live competition, and that the classical solo category is livestreamed free on YAGP's YouTube channel for relatives who cannot attend. Sunday master classes are for registered competitors only, and the schedule may change without notice.

📅 Dates & Times

Friday, October 9, 2026

Theater building opens at 2:40 PM

Competition: 3:30 PM – approximately 7:45 PM

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Theater building opens at 8:10 AM

Competition: 9:00 AM – approximately 6:05 PM

Awards ceremony: 7:33 PM – approximately 8:18 PM

Sunday, October 11, 2026: Master classes for registered competitors only (not open to spectators)

📍 Venue

Irvine Barclay Theatre

4242 Campus Dr.

Irvine, CA 92612

👨🏻‍👩🏻‍👦🏻‍👦🏻 Age Requirement

All ages are welcome to watch.

Competitors range from about age 9 (Pre-Competitive) through age 18 (Senior).

🎟️ Tickets/Price

Spectator tickets are sold at the welcome table at the event.

Ticket prices are to be announced. Please check the official website for updates.

The classical solo category is livestreamed free on YAGP's YouTube channel.

🍔 Food

Please check the website for more information.

🚙 Parking

The nearest parking is the UCI parking structure at Campus Drive and West Peltason Drive, right next to the theater.

The structure is operated by UCI, which offers an online pay-in-advance option. The Irvine Barclay Theatre lists a $13 discounted rate for its performance patrons; confirm the rate for this event at the kiosk.

The theater advises against parking in the shopping center across the street, where non-customer vehicles may be towed.

🌐 Website Link

Youth America Grand Prix 2027 Locations & Dates

🧭 Directions

Click on the “Google” map for directions.

📢 Disclaimer

Event listings are believed to be accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm all details with the event organizer before attending. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings in our calendar. Some events have paid us to be on our events calendar, and some events contain an affiliate link.