A Japanese junior high school girl has won a top prize at one of the world's foremost competitions for young ballet performers in the US.
The Youth America Grand Prix finals in New York were held this month. Results were announced on Saturday.
Yamada Yuna, a first-year junior high school student from the city of Sapporo, won the top prize in the classical dance category for girls aged 9 to 11.
Yamada said she is full of gratitude to people who have helped her perform on the stage. She said she wants to be a ballerina who can make everyone smile.
Kihara Kohaku, a first-year junior high school student from the city of Kyoto, finished second in the contemporary dance category for boys aged 9 to 11.
Kihara said he wants to be a world-class dancer.