Cranbrook Freshman Scarlett Lavery Takes Center Stage on the International Ballet Scene

After completing her freshman year at Cranbrook Schools, Scarlett Lavery is embarking on an extraordinary new chapter, one that will take her from the halls of Cranbrook Schools to the world of professional ballet training.

A lifelong Cranbrook student who began her journey in Pre-K, Scarlett has been selected to pursue elite ballet training following a breakout year of accomplishments on the international stage. While she will not return to the Cranbrook Upper School in the fall, the Schools community is proudly celebrating her remarkable achievements and the dedication that has brought her to this moment.

Scarlett's departure marks a milestone not only for her, but also for a family deeply rooted in Cranbrook’s history. Scarlett represents the third generation of her family to attend Cranbrook Schools. Her grandfather, Fred Lavery Jr. (Class of 1958), and her father, Shane Lavery (Class of 1995), are both Cranbrook alumni. Her older brother, Ryan Lavery, a member of the Class of 2027, continues the family's longstanding connection to Cranbrook.

"I was a lifer at Cranbrook, and I started in Pre-K," Scarlett reflected. "Cranbrook has taught me life lessons, independence, and important social skills for the future. I will cherish the memories I made there, and the friends I kept throughout all grades."

Those friendships are among the memories she says she'll treasure most.

"I will remember the memories I made at lunch this year with my friends. We always ate together in the dining hall and talked about everything happening in our day."

Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with high-level ballet training required discipline far beyond her years.

"Whether it was during lunch, in the car on the way to dance, or late at night, I learned how to use every spare moment," she said. "I always tried to stay ahead of my work."

That work ethic paid off in spectacular fashion.

This year, Scarlett captured first place in the Classical Dance category at a prestigious regional competition in Toronto, competing as the youngest dancer in her division. The victory earned her an invitation to perform at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Stars of Tomorrow Gala in New York City.

YAGP is recognized as the world's largest ballet scholarship audition and competition, bringing together young dancers from around the globe to compete for scholarships and training opportunities with leading professional schools and companies.

At the YAGP Finals, Scarlett distinguished herself among the world's top young dancers, earning multiple scholarships and invitations from renowned institutions, including Zurich Dance Academy in Switzerland, Colorado Ballet Academy, Ellison Ballet in New York, and The Harid Conservatory in Florida. This summer, she will attend Harid Conservatory on a full scholarship.

Her accomplishments build on years of dedication and training. Scarlett credits several influential mentors throughout her journey, particularly her current teacher.

"My current teacher is really the one who catapulted me into an exciting and successful ballet season my freshman year," Scarlett said. "I have her to thank for many of my recent achievements."

Her passion for ballet was sparked years earlier when a teacher at her former dance studio recognized her potential. Summer intensive programs in cities such as Philadelphia and New York further fueled her ambition, as did seeing world-class productions like Swan Lake performed at Lincoln Center.

"Ballet is, in my opinion, the hardest sport one can pursue because it is also an art," she explained. "At a high level, you're expected not only to master the physical demands, but also to understand the artistic side, the history, and the many styles of ballet."

Today, that passion is opening doors around the world. When Cranbrook Schools recently connected with Scarlett by email, she was touring Zurich Dance Academy in Switzerland while considering her several elite training opportunities for the fall.

Whether her next home is New York, Zurich, or another respected academy, her goals remain clear.

"I hope to continue my training at a professional ballet school surrounded by aspiring ballerinas," she said. "I want to enhance my technique, learn partnering, and perform classical ballet in historic theaters."

She is equally excited about the personal growth that comes with pursuing her dream.

"I look forward to meeting other dancers and learning from renowned faculty," she said. "I’ll also enjoy exploring local eateries and learning how to cook on my own!"

While the Cranbrook community will miss seeing Scarlett on campus, her success is a source of tremendous pride. Her journey reflects not only exceptional talent, but also perseverance, discipline, and a willingness to pursue excellence at the highest level.

As she steps onto the next stage of her ballet career, Cranbrook Schools celebrates all she has accomplished and looks forward to following her continued success in the years ahead.