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. Scholarships are supported by The Cecchetti Society Trust.
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.
SCHOLARS auditions for ENTRY 2025/26
sATUrDAY 10TH MAY 2025
APPLICATIONS OPEN
The date for the Cecchetti Scholars Audition 2025 for entry for the academic year 2025/26 will take place on Saturday 10th May 2025. Acceptance to this scheme is by audition only and auditions are held in the summer term each 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.
Entry Criteria 2025/25
1. The candidate must be a pupil of a member of the ISTD Cecchetti Classical Ballet Faculty and must be receiving their ballet training mainly in the Cecchetti method.
2. Candidates must have passed Grade 4 or Standard 5 in any method. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis for candidates who are working at Grade 4/Standard 5 level, however have not yet passed the exam. Please email cecchetti@istd.org with candidate details for consideration.
3. Applicants to be considered for the scholarship must be between 11 and 17 years of age on 1 September 2025.
4. Candidates who attend an audition will be expected to accept a scholarship if it is awarded.
Further information including Candidate Eligibilty, the Audition Process, Rules & Regulations can be found on the ISTD website at: https://www.istd.org/events/cecchetti-scholars-audition-2025/
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.