Interview with WBC 2022 Grand Prix Winner: Julie Joyner

*Julie performs the Variation from Grand Pas Classique; Photo by Michael Cairns*

Interview Published: August 16, 2022

At the 2022 World Ballet Competition Finals, Julie Joyner became the first competitor to win the prestigious Grand Prix Award along with a $5,000 U.S. dollar cash prize generously sponsored by Nikolay.

Julie shared with us her rehearsal regimen for the event, process for selecting her solos, and why she doesn’t focus on scores - enjoy our chat below!

1. Tell us about your preparation for the competition. How often did you rehearse and have private lessons?

How I have prepared for WBC was similar to how I prepared for every competition in the past. It was a performance, and every performance requires devotion and attention to detail. When preparing for WBC or any competition, I try to focus on my overall performance at the competition and how the experience will help me prepare for more challenging endeavors in the future. In addition to daily technique classes, I engage in daily private lessons where I not only rehearse variations but also work on class work and apply the technique to my variations. Georne Aucoin and Musashi Alvarez coached me for the competition at the International City School of Ballet.

Julie performs the Aurora Variation from Sleeping Beauty; Photo by Michael Cairns

2. Did you rent or have your costumes made?

All of my costumes are custom-tailored precisely to fit my body. My teacher works with the tutu maker to ensure the costumes are designed as authentic to the original ballet as possible. These costumes are also sentimental to me, as when I look back in the future, I will remember my journey through these performances.

3. Were you nervous before competing?

I believe nerves are pretty natural. However, it is always more of excited emotion, especially as it was the last competition of the season. I felt fully prepared and in my element as I had already performed some of my variations on stage.

Julie performs her contemporary solo “2122 AD” choreographed by Musashi Alvarez; Photo by Michael Cairns

4. What do you think of the instantaenous scoring system and the online broadcast?

I admired the scoring system as it made the entire process more professional and transparent; it strongly reminded me of the Olympics. It also provided real-time and public knowledge of where I stood in the competition rankings.

5. There are several competition rounds in the WBC, who chose the order of your solos for the competition?

My teacher chose my variations for each round. We decided on Sleeping Beauty first because I had performed it the most and felt very confident in it being the first piece presented. We chose Esmeralda as the best solo for the second round as it was dynamically contrasting to Aurora and required a lot of personality and energy. And finally, she decided on Grand Pas Classique as she felt it displayed specific physical attributes to pursue a career in ballet and is a virtuoso variation. In every decision, I was always part of the conversation.

Julie performs the Esmeralda Variation; Photo by Michael Cairns

6. What do you think separates WBC from other ballet competitions?

WBC's professional, calm, and organized atmosphere stood out the most. Also, I had never done a competition that required you to pass through rounds, which made it a new experience for me.

7. Were you able to sight-see in Orlando?

Sightseeing was not part of my schedule. This practice is standard for me when I travel to competitions because I need to stay focused.

Julie performs her contemporary solo “2122 AD”; Photo by Michael Cairns

8. What advice would you give to upcoming competitors?

I would advise other dancers not to worry much about the scores or where they fall within the scoring range as they are beyond anyone's control. Enjoying the process, being present, and just coming to the competition and dancing your best each day is more beneficial than worrying about scores.

9. How did it feel to receive the first Grand Prix Award ever given at WBC?

It's funny because, at the time, I was unaware that this award was never given to any student before. However, I am still very honored and excited about the recognition. I'm also glad I could represent the USA so well.

10. What have you been up to this summer and what are your plans in the fall?

I have been training as usual at my school, The International City School of Ballet, in Georgia. My schedule is the same as during the year—my daily privates and then classes. I am also attending the Irina and Maxim Summer Intensive in NYC for a week. I will be doing the same routine in the fall.

Interested to compete in the World Ballet Competition?

Details on the Video Audition Application can be found by clicking here

Interview with WBC 2022 Grand Prix Winner: Julie Joyner

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