10/15/2026
Ready for Center Stage!
We’re thrilled to announce that Julia Delara ’27 has been accepted into the prestigious CLI Conservatory dance program in Southampton, Mass.!
Delara, who has been dancing since she was young and is a standout on the Mercy Dance team, committed to the 10-month program last month and will begin her training after graduating from Mercy High School in the spring.
“Julia is truly one of the hardest-working dancers I have ever had the privilege of teaching, not only during my time at Mercy, but throughout my entire dance career,” Mercy Dance Coach Ava Grasso ’20 said. “Julia’s dedication, her work ethic, and genuine passion for dance are what make her so special. I could not be prouder of her acceptance into the CLI program! No one is more deserving of this incredible opportunity, and I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of something amazing for her. I know she is going to do big things, and I cannot wait to watch her shine!”
The CLI Conservatory program is designed to give students direct access to over 100 world-renowned working choreographers and prepare them to enter the professional world of dance in film, concert, and commercial dance. Dancers receive practical training from professionals and make connections with those choreographers they’ll be auditioning for when they graduate.
After weighing all her dance options, including offers from Dean College, Long Island University, Sacred Heart, Endicott, and University of Delaware, Delara decided on the CLI program to continue her development as a dancer, and we are so glad she did.
For the last few years, we have been incredibly lucky to watch Julia pursue her passion for dance, and we know she is ready for what comes next.
At Mercy, her talent has been so obvious. Whether she is dancing during a basketball game or at a team competition, we are constantly struck by her precision, her attention to every detail, and her athleticism. But just as important, we have been overwhelmed by her love for the sport.
It is so clear to anyone who knows Julia and has seen her dance what this all means to her. And once you see that passion, you can’t help but be swept up in her drive and her dream.
As a community, we can’t wait to support Delara and follow her dream, wherever it leads her.
Congratulations and good luck, Julia!
We know this is only the start!
