Hello, my name is Amelie Bott-Suzuki, I am 14 years old and I am honored to have received the scholarship award presented by Dance Arts Foundation. I attend California Connections Academy as a 9th grader and I have been training with Ballet Institute of San Diego. Thank you again Dance Arts Foundation for presenting this incredible opportunity to be which has allowed me to continue to grow and improve as a dancer. 

Aimee Ernt is 16 years old and a junior at Foothill High School.  She has been dancing since she was five years old and is currently training at The Premier Ballet School of Orange County in Tustin, CA with directors Nazgul Ryskulova Shinn and Marina Ten. Aimee is also a founding member of the Premier Youth Dance Company lead by Gunta Liepina-Miller. Aimee and her identical twin sister, Riley, both have a passion for dance and hope to dance professionally one day. 

Riley Ernt is 16 years old and a junior at Foothill High School.  She started her dance training at five and is currently enrolled at The Premier Ballet School of Orange County in Tustin, CA with directors Nazgul Ryskulova Shinn and Marina Ten. Riley is also a founding member of the Premier Youth Dance Company lead by Gunta Liepina-Miller. Some of her favorite performances have been with her twin sister, Aimee, as her duet partner. Riley's dream is to become a professional dancer alongside her sister. 

Kiera Finnerty

Julianna Hatton is 17 years old and a senior at The Archer School for Girls where she is on the Dance Leadership Team and participates in the annual Night of Dance production.  Julianna has been dancing since she was three years old and currently trains at Amirian Ballet Academy and is a Trainee with Hollywood Ballet. She has been fortunate to receive summer training and short stay opportunities at programs including Houston Ballet Academy, Ellison Ballet, Ballet West, and Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Julianna finds joy in performing, especially in the holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, dancing in recent years with Hollywood Ballet and Red Chair Productions in lead roles such as Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop Fairy, and Clara. Julianna regularly receives Top 3 placements at competitions including Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), California Dance Classics, ICON Dance Awards, and Youth Ballet Masters, where in addition to ballet, her unique voice can be seen in her self-choreographed contemporary solos and duets.  She is also a Music Center Spotlight Ballet Semifinalist and Merit Award Winner. Julianna’s passion for dance extends beyond the stage.  As an accomplished sewer and costume designer, Julianna sells custom tutus, leotards, and dancewear under her brand JuJuBee Designs. Seeking to be an inspiration to others, Julianna is devoted to dance education and shares her talents by teaching dance workshops at her school and local summer camps.

Jaslyn Kwan, 15 years-old, is a rising Junior at Henry Gunn High School. She trains at Bayer Ballet Academy under the guidance of School's Artistic Director - Ms Inna Bayer.

Hello, I'm Diana Levine, a 14-year-old aspiring professional dancer who began my journey at 8 years old. Ballet isn't just a hobby for me, it's my passion and a significant part of my life. I do my academics online at Stanford Online High School to fully dedicate myself to my ballet training at Bayer Ballet Academy. This allows me to balance advanced academic studies with intensive ballet training, where I strive to improve my technique and artistry.
My days are filled with challenging routines and rehearsals, but each moment I spend in the studio feels like a step closer to my dreams. I am inspired by the grace and discipline that ballet demands, and I cherish every opportunity to express myself through dance. Beyond ballet, I enjoy spending weekends with my family and amazing dog. My goal is to continue growing as a dancer and one day inspire others through my performances.

Maceo Paras-Mangrobang is a 15-year old sophomore attending high school in Union City, Ca. in Northern California. He has been dancing since he was in kindergarten and attends the Westlake School for the Performing Arts in Daly City, Ca. where he studies Contemporary, Jazz and Ballet in the Senior Pre-Professional Program. New pursuits include studying Tap.