The National Lucie Saronova Memorial Awards, held by Cecchetti Ballet Victoria, were staged at the Victorian College of Arts Secondary School on Friday, July 5. Altogether 18 candidates contested two sections: 10 for the Silver Medal and eight for the gold.
It possibly came as no surprise that Aurelian Child-de Brocas snapped up the Gold Medal. He has been dominating the competition circuit of late, having won the Boy’s Gold at the 2012 Royal Academy of Dance Genee International Ballet Competition and first prize at this year’s Australian Institute of Classical Dance’s annual scholarship. He is a pupil of Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie of Alegria Dance in Sydney.
The Gold Runner Up was Anyah Siddall from NSW, who is taught by Robyn Ross and Valerie Jenkins at the Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy. The Gold Honourable Mention went to Georgia Swan (Vic) taught by Anne Butler and Carole Oliver at the VCA Secondary School.
The winner of the Silver Medal was Rebecca Blenkinsop (Vic), also from VCASS. The Silver Runner Up went to Joshua Jack Price (Qld), taught by Janice Heale at, The Dance Centre, while Honourable Mentions went to Shaylee Mills (WA), taught by Lani McGeady at the Toodyay Ballet School; Chloe Michelle Hollow (NSW) , taught by Monique Feain; and Isabelle Greenwood, taught by Anne Butler, VCASS.
The adjudicators were Elizabeth Hill and Paul Cini.
Congratulations to all!
Look out for our interview with Aurelian in the Aug/Sep issue of 'Dance Australia' magazine!