Previous Competitions

Cecchetti Southern Area Awards 2026

There is nothing like the buzz of expectation in a Theatre foyer prior to a performance. This was indeed the case on Saturday 29^th February 2026 at The Hawth Theatre, Crawley for the Cecchetti Southern Area Awards. As the competitors, friends and families congregated in the Foyer, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement. 

The CSAA have been running for over 30 years and were created to provide the recreational Cecchetti ballet dancer with a friendly and inclusive competition experience. Over time dedicated Cecchetti Ballet teachers including Mollie Caulder, Sandra Powell, Penny Walker and Mechele Lefkaridi have given of their time and passion. Now the Committee consisting of Hayley Cheneler, Amy Heather with the guidance of Sandra Powell continue to develop the legacy of the vision for today’s competitors.

This was the 2^nd year that the Awards were held at The Hawth Studio Theatre. It is a perfect venue providing an intimate environment for these competitions yet set within a spacious and professional Theatre complex. There are four separate sections age based on age and this year Gillian Toogood adjudicated the main awards and Judith Wilson the Joy of Dance awards. During the adjudications both spoke to the competitors with enthusiasm and congratulated them on their achievements. Each section was sensitively accompanied with live music played by pianist, Ann Watson which added to the sense occasion. 

During the adjudications both Gillian and Judith commented on how well the young dancers danced and how they all looked as if they were enjoying themselves. For many it was their first time performing in such a situation. Both took turns in giving the competitors ‘tips’ to take away with them. Referencing the importance of shaping the hands, to avoid tension, referring them to ‘Lego hands’ and working the arms to create good shapes and when moving them, ensuring that they match the movements of the legs and the body. The use of the feet was also mentioned and how the ends of the toes must be used to give ‘rocket propulsion’ to jumps. 

A big ‘Thank you’ to the Awards Committee for all the work that goes into organising such a successful event. In addition to the Adjudicators, Ann Watson, backstage support crew, competitors, parents and teachers for making the day such a success. 

Report by Alison Jenner

2026 Results

Section	Pupil	Teacher
Junior: Commendation	Ioanna Eleftheriadis	Nina Monteiro
Junior: Commendation	Veronika Medzhitova	Nina Monteiro
Junior: Runner Up	Mila Fiest	Hayley Cheneler
Junior: Winner	Betsey Bond	Hayley Cheneler
Lower Middle: Commendation	Emma Malinkova	Angelina Spurrier
Lower Middle: Commendation	Nicole Rakchat Tucker	Angelina Spurrier
Lower Middle: Runner Up	Elena Rose Juares Davis	Hayley Cheneler
Lower Middle: Winner	Catherine Thien Vu	Angelina Spurrier
Vacani Award for joy of dance: Winner	Jiayu (Joy) Sheng	Angelina Spurrier
Upper Middle: Commendation	Matilda Buckley	Joanne Penner
Upper Middle: Runner Up	Nevaeh Green	Nina Monteiro
Upper Middle: Winner	Eve Edwards	Nina Monteiro
Molly Caulder Shield for joy of dance: Runner Up	Tanisha Bhimjiani	Hayley Cheneler
Molly Caulder Shield for joy of dance: Winner	Chloe Tandie Burham	Sara Goletta
Senior: Winner	Sophie Simcock	Amy Heather
Barbara Geoghan cup for musicality: Winner	Georgia Hinton	Hayley Cheneler

Cecchetti Southern Area Awards 2025

It was a real delight to see the happy, excited faces of the children arriving at the Hawth Theatre in Crawley to take part in the Cecchetti Southern Area Awards. From the moment the first dancers stepped through the doors, there was a lovely atmosphere of anticipation, joy, and community spirit.

These Awards were first introduced over 30 years ago with the purpose of encouraging pupils of Cecchetti teachers and giving them the chance to perform in front of an audience. The focus has always been on creating an opportunity for every child—including those who may only attend classes once a week—to shine and share their love of dance.

As with so many other activities, the Awards were sadly brought to a halt during Covid. That long pause made their return this year feel even more special. Thanks to the generous support of the Cecchetti Society Trust, we were able to relaunch the event in a new home at the Hawth Theatre. The venue could not have been better: easy to access, welcoming to families, and providing a lovely studio theatre with plenty of space for the children to perform with confidence.

The Awards are divided into four sections. The Junior section gives the youngest children the chance to dance a solo of their own, often their first experience of performing in front of an audience. The Lower Middle, Upper Middle, and Senior sections each involve a series of set exercises danced in groups, alongside a solo Long Enchainement which challenges the students to bring together artistry and technique in a longer performance. Watching the dancers across the sections, it was clear to see their enjoyment, hard work, and progress shining through.

We were honoured to welcome Elisabeth Swan, Chairman of the Cecchetti Society Trust, and Mechele Lefkaridi, one of the previous organisers of the Awards, as our adjudicators. Both offered such thoughtful, kind, and encouraging feedback to the dancers, which was gratefully received and contributed so much to the positive atmosphere of the day. The performances were beautifully supported by the sensitive and musical accompaniment of Osman Tack, whose playing lifted and inspired every dancer.

The return of the Cecchetti Southern Area Awards was truly a memorable and uplifting occasion. It brought together teachers, pupils, families, and supporters in celebration of dance and of the Cecchetti method. Above all, it gave the children a chance to experience the joy of performing, and to feel proud of their achievements. We look forward with excitement to building on this success and seeing the Awards continue to grow in the years ahead.

Report by Sandra Powell

2025 Results