Cecchetti Society Trust Support for the
Cecchetti Classical Ballet Scholarship Scheme Applications Open!
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 and 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 Educational School,14 Bath Road, Chiswick, London, W4 1LY. 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. Acceptance to this scheme is by audition only and auditions are held in the summer term each year.
SCHOLARS Auditions - Entry 2026/27
Saturday 9th May2026
APPLICATIONS OPEN!
Applications are now open for the Cecchetti Scholars Auditions for entry for the academic year 2026/27. The Auditions will take place on Saturday 9th May at Arts Educational Schools, 14 Bath Road, London, W4 1LW. Exact audition times will be confirmed nearer the date but will not start before 13.00. Further information including Candidate Eligibility, the Audition Process, Rules & Regulations and how to apply to audition for the programme is given on the ISTD website using the link below.
NB APPLICATION DEADLINE - FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2026
https://www.istd.org/events/cecchetti-scholars-audition-2026/
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.