Cecchetti Wales & West Awards 2024
The Trust was pleased to support the Cecchetti Wales & West Awards 2024. The Awards are organised by Jacqui Everson and Carol Goode, with the support of Cecchetti teacher colleagues and have been running for over 30 years. The purpose is to offer Cecchetti students an opportunity to participate in a regional competition with invited Adjudicators. These awards give children the experience of performing on stage in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. There are Junior, Middle and Senior sections and competitors perform in groups on stage, demonstrating a series of exercises from Port de Bras to Allegro, followed by a set dance for that level.
REVIEW
I attended the Cecchetti Wales and West Awards on Sunday 4th February 2024 at the Cwmbran Congress Theatre near Newport, South Wales. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day. I was warmly welcomed by organisers Carol Goode and Jacqui Everson.
Elisabeth Swan was adjudicator for the Junior Section. Children were a delight to watch, full of enthusiasm and energy touched by a wonderful sense of innocence and joy. All responded to Elisabeth’s encouragement and constructive comments. Sarah Wells adjudicated the Lower Middle, Middle and Senior Sections. Students were well prepared and ready to give their all – which they did with bundles of enthusiasm and zest. Sarah gave constructive, kind, and thoughtful comments with humour and encouragement during the adjudication.
I was struck by the large numbers of entries for the Middle and Senior Sections, so encouraging to see many students participating in both these upper Award levels. Penny Hughes accompanied all Awards and was particularly observant and sensitive to each group and each candidate, relaxed in her approach. Each dancer counted! In total there were 76 candidates!
I wish to thank both Carol and Jacqui for all their hard work in putting forward this day of Awards, their warm welcome, not only for myself but for all those in the audience. The auditorium was brimming with excitement. I’m taking away something that Sarah Wells said …. “Find the diamond in your eyes and you will smile, shine and sparkle!”
On a personal note, I think this says it all…….
Diana Cremona
RESULTS
JUNIOR AWARD
Winner: Cai Williams Natalie and Daisuke Miura
Runner up: Kaiji Miura Natalie and Daisuke Miura
Joy of Dance: Ava Hillier Fiona Bartlett
LOWER MIDDLE AWARD
Winner: Freya Harrison Jacqui Everson
Runner Up: Nansi Adams Jacqui Everson
Joy of Dance: Jovane Ngassa Carol Goode
Commended: Scarlett Putz Carol Goode
Commended: Catherine Sourinphoumy Natalie and Daisuke Miura
Commended: Lydia Willicombe Natalie and Daisuke Miura
MIDDLE AWARD
Winner: Melissa De Silva Carol Goode
Runner Up: Dilys Lewis Jacqui Everson
Musicality: Lily Palmer Jacqui Everson
Commended: Mali-Roberts Lloyd Jacqui Everson
Commended: Nicole Roberts Jacqui Everson
Commended: Jessica Watkinson Kate Lawrence
Commended: Daniel Hillier Natalie and Daisuke Miura
Commended: Lucy Clemens Fiona Bartlett
Commended: Ralph Davies Natalie and Daiski Miura
SENIOR AWARD
Winner: Melody Chan Kate Lawrence
Runner Up: Evie Watkins Jacqui Everson
Musicality: Bethany McEwen Kate Lawrence
Commended: Celyn Ellis Jacqui Everson
Commended: Eleanor Maddicks Fiona Bartlett
Commended: Olivia Humphreys Natalie and Daisuke Miura
Commended: Leila Janoo Natalie and Daisuke Miura
Commended: Abbie Merrett Natalie and Daisuke Miura
Commended: Freya Lewis Carol Goode
Commended: Emma Challoner Kate Lawrence