NSAL Florida Crowns Ballet Talent at Spectacular Competition, First Place Winner Jacquelyn Ng to Represent the State at Nationals

Boca Raton, FL – The National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Florida recently concluded its highly anticipated ballet competition, held at the prestigious Boca Ballet Theatre, showcasing the exceptional talent of young dancers from across the region. The event celebrated artistry, dedication, and the future of dance. The top prize winners were Jacquelyn Ng (first place), Peyton Ford (second place), and Ariana Alb (third place). Jacquelyn Ng will now represent the state of Florida at the National competition this May in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Marilyn Nelson, Jacquelyn Ng and Shari Upbin

“This competition provided a platform for aspiring dancers to demonstrate their skills before a panel of esteemed judges, comprised of renowned figures in the dance world,” said event chair Shari Upbin. “The opportunity to receive insights, advice, and listen to fascinating stories from legendary artists was truly one of the most magical elements of the day. We are so grateful to these icons for sharing their time and giving back to the next generation.”

The judges included Steve Caras, former soloist with George Balanchine and The New York City Ballet, acclaimed dance photographer and passionate advocate of the arts; Victoria Schneider, ballet faculty at the prestigious Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton and former soloist with The Pennsylvania Ballet, who was also the principal teacher at La Scuola di Danza Classica in Italy; and John Prinz, an American Ballet Theatre Ballet Master, Ballet Master at Pittsburgh Ballet, Cleveland Ballet , National Espana Ballet and Ballet Master Zurich Opera House and  Boca Ballet Theatre.

Each year, NSAL National selects a discipline for a major competition. In 2025, ballet takes center stage in May with talented dancers aged 16-22 from across the country vying for a chance to win $15,000 in prizes. Entry to Nationals is through the local competition. Florida’s young stars competed for cash prizes awarded to the top three dancers. The first-place winner received a $2,000 award, an all-expense paid trip to the National competition in Pittsburgh, PA, and a professional photo shoot with Warner Prokos Photography valued at $1,400. The sponsors for the top three prize winners were Marilyn Nelson, Kay Renz and Barbara Fisher.

“We were very grateful to Jane Tyree and Dan Guin Co-artistic Directors of Boca Ballet Theatre for hosting the competition and for Jane graciously presiding over the classwork element,” said Kirsten Stephenson, NSAL President. “Boca Ballet Theatre is known for its commitment to nurturing young talent and its state-of-the-art facilities, served as the perfect venue for this prestigious event.”

 The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation as each dancer presented both traditional ballet performances and contemporary dances that were both technically brilliant and emotionally engaging.

 “The dedication and passion these young dancers demonstrated were truly inspiring,” continued Upbin. “NSAL Florida is committed to supporting the arts and providing opportunities for young artists to shine. This competition exemplifies our mission perfectly. We all come together to fundraise to support these outstanding talents and then we help nurture them to the next level of success.”

NSAL Florida signature fundraiser, The Star Maker Awards is scheduled for April 6, reservations and sponsorships are now available.

To learn how you can help foster the dreams of young artists, please visit www.nsalflorida.org.

NSAL aims to discover talented young people at the beginning of their careers and provides scholarships and competitions in art, dance, drama, literature, music and musical theatre, and works to advance their careers and support creative opportunities. Excelling at the chapter level allows competitors to progress to national competitions and where many stars have been discovered. Among these are Shirley MacLaine, actress/dancer/writer; Jessye Norman, opera singer; Megan Hilty, Broadway and television star; Awadagin Pratt, pianist; and Amanda McKerrow, prima ballerina, and opera star Nadine Sierra who was discovered through the Florida Chapter.

For more information about NSAL scholarships, competitions and how to become a supporter, please visit www.NSALFlorida.org