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Young ballet dancers again took to the stage of the Capitol Theatre on Friday to audition for scholarships as part of the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) regional semifinals, which were held in collaboration with Ballet West.

Starting Thursday, hundreds of ballet dancers — ages 9 to 19 — from Utah and nationwide were attending workshops, competitions and dance classes. YAGP, the world's largest ballet scholarship audition, awards more than $250,000 a year to help send young dancers to leading schools and dance companies to continue their training. The group is known for launching the careers of some of the biggest talents in dance.

Auditions on Friday included the Junior Contemporary Competition for dancers ages 12-14.

Selected competitors will continue to the finals in New York.

The auditions will culminate Saturday with the "Night of Shining Stars" gala. Those sharing the stage with student dancers at the gala include New York City Ballet principal dancer Megan Fairchild, a Salt Lake City native who began her training at Ballet West Academy, as well as dancers from Ballet West, National Ballet of Cuba, Washington Ballet, "Dancing With the Stars" and American Ballet Theatre.

When • Saturday, 8 p.m.

Where • Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City

Tickets • From $25; balletwest.org