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2023 Winners

Jake Roxander began his formal dance training at the age of seven, studying with his parents until he was 17 years old. During his childhood, Jake took gymnastics and voice lessons and performed in several musical theatre productions in Southern Oregon. He participated in the YAGP, receiving the Youth Grand Prix Award in 2016 and 2017 and the Grand Prix Award in 2018 and 2019. He was awarded full scholarships to Pennsylvania Ballet’s “Company Experience” workshop in 2017 and 2018, and to American Ballet Theatre’s New York Summer Intensive in 2019. Jake joined Pennsylvania Ballet II in 2019. In September 2020, Jake joined ABT Studio Company, became an apprentice with the main Company in May 2022, joined the corps de ballet in September 2022, and was promoted to soloist in March of 2024. His repertoire includes Harlequin and the Chinese Lead in The Nutcracker, Benno and Neapolitan Dance in Swan Lake, Peasant Pas de Deux in Giselle, Puck in The Dream, Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet, and leading roles in Etudes and Piano Concerto No. 1.

Hailed by the Boston Globe as "absorbing, steadfast, and compelling", Frances Lorraine Samson is a New York-based artist originally from Toronto, Canada. She has been featured by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, TEDx, and Harper's Bazaar, and has had the honor of working for institutions such as The Juilliard School, SUNY Purchase College, and the Danish National Academy of Music. Frances was a principal dancer with the Limón Dance Company (2022 Bessie Award for Outstanding Choreography) from 2017-2023 and is currently on faculty for the Limón Institute. She has had the pleasure of collaborating with artists such as Kate Weare, Francesca Harper, Raúl Tamez, Kayla Farrish, Madeline Hollander, and Aszure Barton. Frances currently works for Award-winning choreographers Twyla Tharp and Baye & Asa.

Anna Zavelson is an Asian American artist who is proud to have made her NYC debut as Clara in the critically acclaimed Encores! revival of “Light in the Piazza.” In 2022, she was also a finalist in The Jimmy Awards, bringing the song Higher from the musical “Allegiance” to life. Television credits include NBC’s “Revolution” and Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why”. Currently, Anna is pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan.

Jake Roxander | American Ballet Theatre