Cecchetti Society Trust Support for the
Cecchetti Classical Ballet Scholarship Scheme

cecchetti classical ballet scholarship scheme
PATRON: MARY-JANE DUCKWORTH FISTD

The Cecchetti Classical Ballet Scholarship Scheme offers talented young dancers outstanding training and performance opportunities. Organised by the Cecchetti Society Classical Ballet Faculty, ISTD and based in London, the scheme provides a weekly training programme. During the year, the students have the opportunity to perform at a prestigious venue and in recent years have performed at The Royal Ballet School, Covent Garden.

Classes are held over three terms. There are no charges for these classes as Scholarships are funded by The Cecchetti Society Trust. The programme includes

  • Classical Ballet, Body Conditioning, Limbering, Pointe Work, Performance Skills and Repertoire

Classes currently take place on Saturday afternoons in term time at
Arts Ed, 14 Bath Road, Chiswick, London, W4 1LY.

SCHOLARS audition 11Th MAY 2024

The Cecchetti Scholars Audition 2024 for entry for the academic year 2024/25 will take place on:

Saturday 11th May - Arts Educational School, Chiswick, London

Further information inlcuding Candidate Eligibilty, the Audition Process, Rules & Regulations will be available soon. Please direct Audition enquiries to cecchetti@istd.org

Entry Criteria

Acceptance to this scheme is by audition only and auditions are held in summer term each year.  To be considered applicants must be between 11 and 17 years of age on 1st September of the academic year of entry.  They must be receiving their training in Cecchetti Classical Ballet and have attained a minimum of their Grade 4 or Standard 5 ISTD Cecchetti Ballet qualification.  Each student accepted will be awarded a Scholarship for one year. The Scholarship classes are designed to complement the student’s regular classes which should be continued as before, and their teacher’s permission be given for them to attend.

SCHOLARS HISTORY

The idea to establish the Cecchetti Scholars’ classes was first suggested by Nora Roche, a distinguished teacher and examiner.   With the encouragement of Cyril Beaumont, then Chairman of the ISTD, and the assistance of Barbara Geoghegan, classes commenced in 1952.  Barbara Geoghegan continued to run these classes for a further 48 years - an incredible record of service and devotion.  This exceptional service was then continued by Linda Davies and the scheme is now flourishing under the stewardship of Gillian Toogood.  The Scholars have also been supported over the years by many devoted Cecchetti teachers who have given their time to organise and run the weekly classes and performance opportunities, making Scholars as relevant and popular for today’s young dancers as when it first started.

© The Cecchetti Society Trust 2024