To enrich their dancing experience, and develop their technique and artistry further, several students participate in schemes run by the Cecchetti Society. These opportunities enable pupils to experience dance classes outside of their normal weekly lessons.
Cecchetti Associates
The Cecchetti Associates programme provides non-syllabus classes for boys and girls from 7 years of age who are training in classical ballet. The classes are held on one Sunday in each month during term time. The aim is for like-minded students to meet and experience a diverse selection of dance genres to enhance their regular training. The format of the day consists of a ballet class followed by a class in an allied dance discipline, taught by an experience faculty member. Examples of non-ballet classes are character, mime, national, Spanish, Irish, Classical Greek, street dance, repertoire, choreography, Lindy Hop, contemporary and modern jazz.
There is a fee for these classes.
To apply for a place a child must be over 7 years of age, but under 18 years on 1st September in the year of application. There are 6 classes available to apply for;
Young Associates – A NEW CLASS introduced for children who are 7 years old and have gained Distinction in Grade 1/Standard 2 in classical ballet
Junior – a good Pass in either Grades 2/3/4 or Standards 2/3/4 in classical ballet
Senior – a good Pass in Grades 5/6 or Standards 5/6/7 in classical ballet
Graduates – Students working at Vocational level who are under 18 years of age on September 1st in the year of the audition
Boys’ Classes – at Junior and Senior levels.
Please speak to Miss Powell if you would like to apply for the Associates course.
A current pupil, Tirion, gives her account of what it’s like to be an Associate.
“The Cecchetti Associates is a ballet scheme offering extra tuition in Cecchetti ballet and other dance styles. The classes take place one Sunday a month at the wonderful studios of ‘Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance’ in Richmond, London. I first auditioned for this scheme aged 10 and was offered a place in the senior class. The classes take the format of a ballet class, followed by another dance style which can be anything from character to musical theatre to contemporary. I am now in my fifth year of training with the Associates and am now in the graduate class. I thoroughly enjoy all my classes, and especially love being able to work with such a wide variety of amazing teachers and dancers. The Cecchetti Associates has given me so many opportunities and experiences and I would thoroughly recommend it!”