Three local dancers have been invited to participate in the ninth annual Youth America Grand Prix, an international ballet competition held in New York City.

Hawaii State Ballet students Spencer Keith, 17, of Manoa; Erica Wong, 16, of Kaimuki; and Shelby Chun Fat, 16, of Pauoa, will compete in the event, held April 17-21. Their coach, John Landovsky, also will attend.

Both Wong and Chun Fat have been training at Hawaii State Ballet for 12 years, and Keith for seven years. Landovsky has coached students to participate in this competition in the past as well as in other prestigious competitions including those in Kiev, Ukraine, and Varna, Bulgaria.

The Grand Prix features student dancers ages 9 to 19 from around the globe, who vie for scholarships to the world's leading dance schools.