Dancer has the right moves

Patel Conservatory

William Dugan dances the role of Puck during a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Straz Center.

By From staff reports
Published: February 05, 2012

» Comments | Post a Comment

NEW PORT RICHEY --

Local ballet dancer William Dugan has earned a spot in the finals of the world's largest student ballet competition.

Dugan, who recently danced the role of the Nutcracker Prince at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, placed third in the senior division for classical ballet at the regional competition held in Tampa. At 15, he was the youngest of the 22 male dancers in his division.

He will compete April 22-26 in New York City against finalists from South America, Japan, Europe and the United States. The competition is a stepping stone for young dancers, launching many into professional careers. More than 200 Grand Prix alumni now are dancing with 50 companies around the world, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, among others.

Dugan has been studying ballet at the Patel Conservatory since he was 10. He earned a full merit scholarship to the School of American Ballet's summer program in 2011.