2025
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
We are delighted to announce important information about Cecchetti's pre-eminent National competition, the Lucie Saronova Memorial Awards for 2025.
NATIONAL COMPETITION DATE: Thursday, 10 July 2025
Adelaide. South Australia.
NATIONAL AWARD PRIZES
Gold Winner - $3,000
Gold Runner Up - $650
Silver Winner - $1,700
Silver Runner Up - $400
Gold Winner will receive a Gold Medal and the perpetual Gold Trophy.
Gold Runner Up will receive a Runner Up Certificate.
Silver Winner will receive a Silver Medal and the perpetual Silver Plaque.
Silver Runner Up will receive a Runner Up Certificate.
All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
GOLD FEMALE VARIATIONS
Candidates may choose any variation; however, the solo must be from a reputable ballet company. Acceptable versions include original choreography or reproductions by renowned companies such as the Australian Ballet, Royal Ballet, Paris Opera, ABT, NYC Ballet, Marinsky, and Bolshoi.
Candidates are to choose ONE from the following:
COPPELIA
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Prayer Act 3
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Swanhilda’s variation Act 3
DON QUIXOTE
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Kitri Act 3
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Grand Queen of the Dryad Act 2
SWAN LAKE
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Pas de Trois 1st variation Act 1
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Pas de Trois 2nd variation Act 1
LES SYLPHIDES
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Waltz
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Prelude
LA BAYADERE
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1st variation Shades
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2nd variation Shades
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3rd variation Shades
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Gamzatti variation
PAQUITA
Any of the female variations
THE NUTCRACKER
Sugar Plum Fairy
SLEEPING BEAUTY
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All fairy variations (Provide name of variation)
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Princess Florine variation - from Act 3 Bluebird Pas de deux
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Aurora Act 3
GISELLE
Giselle’s variation Act 1
NAPOLI
All 4 variations from Act 3
LA ESMERALDA
Esmeralda variation
DIANA & ACTEON PAS DE DEUX
Diana variation
FLAMES OF PARIS
Jeanne variation
THE AWAKENING OF FLORA
Grand pas de deux female variation
GRAND PAS CLASSIQUE
Female variation
FLOWER FESTIVAL OF GENZANO
1st female variation
GOLD MALE VARIATIONS
Candidates may choose any variation; however, the solo must be from a reputable ballet company. Acceptable versions include original choreography or reproductions by renowned companies such as the Australian Ballet, Royal Ballet, Paris Opera, ABT, NYC Ballet, Marinsky, and Bolshoi.
Candidates are to choose ONE from the following:
GISELLE
Peasant Pas de Deux 2nd variation Act 1
Albrecht variation Act 2
SWAN LAKE
Pas de Trois male variation Act 1
Black Swan male variation Act 3
PAQUITA
Either of the male variations
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Bluebird variation Act 3
Grand Pas de Deux Act 3 - Prince Desire variation
DON QUIXOTE
Grand Pas de Deux male variation Act 3
NAPOLI
All 4 variations from Act 3
LE CORSAIRE
Grand Pas de Deux male variation
FLOWER FESTIVAL OF GENZANO
Male variation
FLAMES OF PARIS
Phillippe/Jerome variation
LA SYLPHIDE
James variation Act 1
LA ESMERALDA
Male variation
DIANA & ACTEON PAS DE DEUX
Acteon variation
CONTEMPORARY SOLO
Candidates are to choose ONE from the following:
Diversion. Choreographer: Emma Moran
Bait. Choreographer: Leigh Warren,
Heartscape. Choreographer: Scott Pokorny,
To Take Flight. Choreographer: Riannon McLean
SILVER FEMALE VARIATIONS
SILVER FEMALE VARIATION A
Dance choreographed by Eve Pettinger.
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Track 1 SLOW
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Track 2 QUICK
SILVER FEMALE VARIATION B
Dance choreographed by Valrene Tweedie, Music composed by Neil McNeil.
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Track 3 – ORIGINAL
SILVER MALE VARIATIONS
SILVER MALE VARIATION A
Dance choreographed by Hilary Kaplan, Music composed by Archibald McKenzie.
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MALE VARIATION A
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Track 4 – ORIGINAL
SILVER MALE VARIATION B
Dance choreographed by Angus Lugsdin, music composed by Moszkowski.
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ORIGINAL
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SLOW
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MEDIUM
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FAST
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON
2024
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
The LSMA did not take place in 2024 due to the Cecchetti International Classical Ballet Competition taking place in July.
2023
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
6th July
Proudly sponsored by
SILVER CANDIDATES
1 Jessica Cooper QLD HONOURABLE MENTION
2 Taya Najjar SA
3 Misa Titcher VIC WINNER
4 Claudia Wang NSW
5 Nina Penny QLD RUNNER UP
6 Abigail Morgan WA HONOURABLE MENTION
7 Emma Hawkins NSW
8 Kara O'Malley SA
9 Andie Watson WA
10 Yulia Nagashima VIC
GOLD CANDIDATES
11 Pippa Moore QLD
12 Flynn Masterton VIC
13 Arainn Pillay NSW WINNER
14 Takdanai McLeod-Smith VIC HONOURABLE MENTION
15 Ella Brownlow-Ziirsen NSW
16 Lila McGrath QLD RUNNER UP
17 Hope Murphy WA
18 Giselle Atkins WA
PERFORMANCE
Performance by Queensland Academy.
Penned Choreography: Paul Boyd.
Trio: Rin Kono, Gina Lee, Corina Poh.
Pas de deux: Jack Jones and Alyssa Park
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Thank you to Cecchetti Ballet QLD office bearers and committee.
The Lucie Saronova Memorial Award Panel:
Sandra Allan OAM (VIC), Helene Gowers (WA), Janice Heale (QLD), Jennifer Pollard (SA), and Robyn Ross (NSW)
Adjudicators: Lana Jones and Rani Luther
Adjudicated Class teacher: Janette Mulligan
Class pianist: Paul Brickhill
Rehearsal Mistress: Sandra Clack
To all the volunteers and theatre staff who helped to make this evening possible.
We thank Energetiks for their ongoing support and sponsorship of this event.
2022
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
SILVER CANDIDATES
1 Oscar Haugerud NSW
2 Kara O'Malley SA
3 Caitlyn Martin VIC RUNNER UP
4 Georgia Lorange QLD WINNER
5 Abigail Morgan WA
6 Giselle Atkins WA
7 Ellissia King QLD HONOURABLE MENTION
8 Sam McSweeney VIC
9 Eileen Jeon NSW
GOLD CANDIDATES
10 Ava Marenjak QLD RUNNER UP
11 Olivia Jensen SA
12 Elizabeth Williams NSW
13 Maya Prtenjaca WA
14 Zachary Medved VIC HONOURABLE MENTION
15 Arainn Pillay NSW HONOURABLE MENTION
16 Gabrielle Brett QLD WINNER
17 Isabella Lowry SA
18 Emma Mills VIC
PERFORMANCE
Danzas Espana/as
- danced by students from Whitney Schofield Academy of Dance
Choreography by Whitney Schofield
PERFORMANCE
On Then and Now
- danced by students from Lane Cove Dance Academy
Choreography by Emma Moran
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Thank you to Cecchetti Ballet NSW office bearers and committee.
The Lucie Saronova Panel: Robyn Ross (NSW), Helene Gowers (WA),
Jennifer Pollard (SA), Sandra Allan OAM (VIC) and Janice Heale (QLD)
Adjudicators: Josef Brown and Brooke Lockett
Adjudicated Class teacher: Chelsea Andrejic
Class pianist: Franz Weindl
Rehearsal Director: Dianne Pokorny
To all the volunteers and theatre staff who helped to make this evening possible.
A huge thank you to our sponsors Energetiks.
2019
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
2018
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
details to come
2017
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
The 2017 Lucie Saronova Memorial Awards took place at the Adelaide College of the Arts - TAFE SA on the 14th July and were adjudicated by Roma Egan and Oliver Toth. The audience were entertained by guest performers, 3rd year Adelaide College of the Arts dancers: Felicity Boyd, Jacinta Jeffries, Emma Leggett. Choreographer of work Fluidity, : Jacinta Jeffries . Stage Manager: Kerry Best, Adjudicated Class Teacher & Ballet Mistress: Sally Collard-Gentle, Class Pianist: Fiona Bartlett, and Rehearsal Director: Kay Cranwell. Thank you to all volunteers, the Lucie Saronova Panel and importantly, Cecchetti South Australia who put together a memorable night. A very special thank you to our wonderful sponsor Energetiks and their representative, David Williams for their continued support and generous gifts for the competitors.
Silver Candidate Details
In order of performance:
Laura Van Loon
Ayesha Lucido
Tyler Lindsay
Joshua Hunt
Emily Wilson
Larisa Magda
Tara Newberry
Isabelle Despoja
Gold Candidate Details
In order of performance:
Isabelle Greenwood
Indiana Mccann
Lucy Wilgosh-Kaesler
Amy Gallery
Natalie Koch
Cameron Holmes
Alyssa Hopkins
Emma Holder
Jessi Seymour
Silver Winner
Tara Newberry
Teacher: Anne Butler
VCASS, Cecchetti program
Silver Runner Ups (equal)
Joshua Hunt
Teacher: Anne Butler
VCASS, Cecchetti program
Laura Van Loon
Teachers: Jessica & Mike Van Loon
Van Loon Academy
Gold Winner
Jessi Seymour
Teachers: Hilary Kaplan & Archibald McKenzie
Alegria Dance Studios
Gold Runner Ups (equal)
Emma Holder
Teachers: Simone Jackson-Pike & Janine Ban
The Perth School of Ballet
Cameron Holmes
Teachers: Robyn Ross & Valerie Jenkins
Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy
2016
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
Silver LSMA
Winner: Jessi Seymour, NSW, Teachers Hilary Kaplan & Archibald McKenzie, Alegria Dance Studio
Runner Up: Janae Kerr, NSW, Teachers Robyn Ross & Valerie Jenkins, Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy
Hon Mention: Milla Brinsden, WA, Teachers Simone Jackson-Pike & Janine Ban, Perth School of Ballet
Hon Mention: Tyler Cameron Lindsay, WA, Teachers Simone Jackson-Pike & Janine Ban, Perth School of Ballet
Hon Mention: Philippa Crawley, VIC, Teacher Justine Morris, Ballarat Ballet Centre
Gold LSMA
Winner: Mio Bayly, VIC, Teacher Carole Oliver, Anita Coutts School of Dance, Cecchetti Program
Runner Up: Cameron Holmes, NSW, Teachers Robyn Ross & Valerie Jenkins, Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy
2015
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
Whilst our adjudicators, Kimblerly Davis & Steven Etienne were backstage making difficult decisions, the audience was entertained by The Queensland Ballet, Pre Professional programme students Harley Campbell and Zacharie Dun who performed, during the adjudication A little bit in love, Choreographed by Paul Boyd, Music by Bernstein.
During the award ceremony, each candidate received a Certificate of Participation and Large Dancers Bag filled with goodies presented by David Williams, from our generous sponsor Energetiks. A special thank you to our Rehearsal Director & Ballet Master Mr Guy Wheatstone, Class Pianist Waldemar Lis, Stage Manager Hannah Wegener, Backstage goddesses Sarah Chislett, Jacel Dunn, Helene Gowers and the numerous other members of Cecchetti QLD who helped put together a memorable night.
Silver Candidate Details
In order of performance:
Emma Holder Representing WA
Teacher: Ms Courtney Ban, Mrs Janine Ban and Mrs Simone Jackson-Pike, Perth School of Ballet
Jessica Stratton-Smith Representing SA
Teacher: Barbara Komazec, Barbara Jayne Dance Centre
Natalie Koch Representing QLD
Teacher: Janice Heale, The Dance Centre
Laura Thomas Representing SA
Teacher: Jennifer Pollard
Joshua Jack Price Representing QLD
Teacher: Mrs Janice Heale, The Dance Centre
Noah Benzie-Drayton Representing WA
Teacher: Mrs Janine Ban and Mrs Simone Jackson-Pike, Perth School of Ballet
Jessi Seymour Representing NSW
Teacher: Miss Hilary Kaplan, Alegria
Heidi Freeman Representing VIC
Teacher: Karen Freeman
Philippa Crawley Representing VIC
Teacher: Justine Morris, Ballarat Ballet Centre
Lania Atkins Representing NSW
Teacher: Valerie Jenkins, The Dance Spot
Silver Winner & Runners-Up
accompanied by Kimberley Davis, Steven Etienne & David Williams
Silver Winner
Joshua Jack Price (QLD)
Silver Runner Ups (equal)
Emma Holder (WA)
Jessi Seymour (NSW)
Gold Candidate Details
In order of performance:
Emily Zilm, Representing SA
Teacher: Susan Clisby
Brielle Pond Representing WA
Teacher: Mrs Janine Ban and Mrs Simone Jackson-Pike, Perth School of Ballet
Nicole Johnson Representing WA
Teacher: Mrs Janine Ban and Mrs Simone Jackson-Pike, Perth School of Ballet
Sarah Clisby Representing SA
Teacher: Susan Clisby
Rebecca Blenkinsop Representing VIC
Teacher: Anne Butler, VCASS Cecchetti Program
Brayden Gallucci Representing NSW
Miss Hilary Kaplan & Mr Archibald McKenzie, Alegria
Katie Rose Shawsmith Representing QLD Teacher – Janice Heale, The Dance Centre Max Day Representing NSW Teacher – Miss Hilary Kaplan & Mr Archibald McKenzie, Alegria Lachlan Broughton Representing VIC Teacher – Anne Butler, VCASS Cecchetti Program
Gold Winner & Runners-Up
accompanied by Kimberley Davis, Steven Etienne & David Williams
Gold Winner
Rebecca Blenkinsop (VIC)
Gold Runner Ups (equal)
Brayden Gallucci (NSW)
Max Day (NSW)
2014
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
Whilst our adjudicators, Cathy and Steven Heathcote were backstage making difficult decisions, the audience was entertained by Alegria Senior Students performing Itsenaisyys followed by The Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy performing Raymonda.
During the award ceremony, each candidate received a Certificate of Participation and Large Dancers Bag filled with goodies from our generous sponsor Energetiks. A special thank you to our Rehearsal Director & Ballet Master Mr Craig Cathcart, Class Pianist Janet Turner, Stage Manager Irina Mitchell, Backstage goddesses Nina Goodwin, Jane Moran, Emma Moran, Skye Hodges and the numerous other members of Cecchetti NSW who helped put together a memorable night.
Silver Candidate Details
In order of performance:
Cameron Holmes – Representing NSW
Teacher: Donna Holmes
Lacie Roberts – Representing SA
Teacher: Barbara Komazec, Barbara Jayne Dance Centre
Heidi Freeman – Representing VIC
Teacher: Karen Freeman
Bronte Pike – Representing WA
Teacher: Simone Jackson-Pike & Janine Ban, Perth School of Ballet
Joshua Jack Price – Representing QLD
Teacher: Janice Heale, The Dance Centre
Megan Hilder – Representing NSW
Teacher: Annabel Scott & Denise Utz
Katie Rose Shawsmith – Representing QLD
Teacher: Janice Heale, The Dance Centre
Eden Edward Kew – Representing VIC
Teacher: Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School/ Cecchetti @ VCASS Coordinator: Anne Butler
Jessica Stratton-Smith – Representing SA
Teacher: Barbara Komazec Barbara Jayne Dance Centre
Janae Kerr – Representing WA
Teacher: Lani McGeady
Silver Winner
Cameron Holmes (NSW)
Silver Runner Ups
Heidi Freeman (VIC)
silver Honourable Mention
Joshua Jack Price (QLD)
Gold Candidate Details
In order of performance:
Heather MacLachlan – Representing WA
Teacher: Beth James, The Conservatoire
Emily Duhne – Representing SA
Teacher: Barbara Komazec, Barbara Jayne Dance Centre
Nicole Johnson – Representing WA
Teacher: Simone Jackson-Pike & Janine Ban, Perth School of Ballet
Mia Sfara – Representing NSW
Teacher: Robyn Ross/Valerie Jenkins/Elizabeth McMahon/Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy
Danielle Whitfort – Representing VIC
Teacher: Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School/ Cecchetti @ VCASS Coordinator: Anne Butler
Madison Devietti – Representing NSW
Teacher: Robyn Ross/Valerie Jenkins/Elizabeth McMahon/Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy
Renee Freeman – Representing VIC
Teacher: Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School/ Cecchetti @ VCASS Coordinator: Anne Butler
Gold Winner
Mia Sfara (NSW)
Gold Runner Ups
Danielle Whitfort (VIC)
GOLD Honourable Mention
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Madison Devietti (NSW)
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Heather MacLachlan (WA)
2013
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
Whilst the adjudicators were backstage making difficult decisions, the audience was entertained by SCIMM. Dance Company performing Black Widow. Performed by —Scott Pokorny, Tim Barnes, Erinn Arnel, Shaylin Durban & Brittany Page.
Our adjudicators, Elizabeth Hill & Paul Cini were well matched in their duties.
During the award ceremony, each candidate received a Certificate of Participation and Large Dancers Bag filled with goodies from our generous sponsor Energetiks. We were fortunate to have 2 of the Energetiks directors with us for the performance but could only manage to convince Lynda Chapman to assist with the presentations.
A special thank you to our Rehearsal Director & Ballet Mistress Miss Sandra Clack, Class Pianist Paul Brickhill, Stage Manager John Stepan , Backstage goddesses Dwan Lith, Rebecca Magazzu, Helene Gowers & Jennifer Pollard and finally Effie Papoulias for managing to not just feed the performers but to keep things ticking over.
Silver and Gold winners with Adjudicators Elizabeth Hill & Paul Cini.
Silver Candidate Details
In order of performance:
Shaylee Mills - Representing WA,
Teacher: Lani McGeady Toodyay Ballet School
Bronte Pike - Representing WA,
Simone Jackson-Pike/Janine Ban PSB
Emily Duhne - Representing SA,
Barbara Komazec
Lilyana Scott - Representing SA,
Barbara Komazec
Jade Charlton - Representing NSW,
Hilary Kaplan & Archie McKenzie / Alegria
Chloe Michelle Hollow - Representing NSW,
Monique Feain
Rebecca Blenkinsop - Representing VIC,
Anne Butler/Carole Oliver / Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School
Isabelle Greenwood - Representing VIC,
Anne Butler / VCASS
Joshua Jack Price - Representing QLD,
Janice Heale / The Dance Centre
Katie Rose Shawsmith - Representing QLD,
Janice Heale / The Dance Centre
Silver candidates with Energetiks director Lynda Chapman
Silver Winner
Rebecca Blenkinsop (VIC)
Silver Runner Ups
Joshua Jack Price (QLD)
silver Honourable Mention
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Shaylee Mills (WA)
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Chloe Michelle Hollow (NSW)
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Isabelle Greenwood (VIC)
Gold Candidate Details
In order of performance:
Genevieve St Clair MacNulty - Representing WA,
Janine Ban / Simone Jackson-Pike PSB
Courtney Radford - Representing WA,
Beth James West Australian Conservatoire of Classical Ballet
Madeleine Camac - Representing SA,
Barbara Komazec
Anyah Siddall - Representing NSW,
Robyn Ross & Valerie Jenkins/Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy
Aurelian Child-de Brocas - Representing NSW,
Hilary Kaplan / Alegria
Kate Arber - Representing VIC,
Anne Butler / VCASS
Georgia Swan - Representing VIC,
Anne Butler / VCASS
Zoe Logan - Representing QLD,
Janice Heale / The Dance Centre
Gold Winner
Aurelian Child-de Brocas (NSW)
Gold Runner Up
Anyah Siddall (NSW)
Gold candidates with Energetiks director Lynda Chapman
Gold Honourable Mention
Georgia Swan (VIC)
Silver and Gold candidates with Adjudicators Elizabeth Hill & Pail Cini.
2012
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
Proudly sponsored by
Held at the Dolphin Theatre, University of WA, Perth on Friday 13th July 2012
The annual award is adjudicated at 2 levels, Silver & Gold with students at both levels participating in a closed class during the afternoon followed by an on stage performance of 2 solos each on Friday evening. Our adjudicators, Jayne Smeulders and Vincent Hantam expressed their delight at the standard, intelligence and execution observed throughout the class and performance.
Silver Winner
Saskia Harman of WA
Teachers: Simone Jackson-Pike, Janine Ban, Perth School of Ballet
Silver Runner Up
Isabella Doosey of NSW,
Teachers: Valerie Jenkins & Nina Goodwin
silver Honourable Mention
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Chloe Michelle Hollow of NSW, teachers: Monique Feain
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Shaylee Mills of WA,
teacher: Lani McGeady, Toodyay Ballet School
Gold Winner
Lola Howard-Beattie of WA, teacher: Beth James, WA Conservatoire of Classical Ballet
Gold Runner Up
Grace Robinson of NSW, teacher: Robyn Ross, Valerie Jenkins & Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy
Gold Honourable Mention
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Kenji Wilkie of NSW,
teachers: Hilary Kaplan, Archie McKenzie, Alegria School of Ballet -
Kate Arber of VIC,
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teacher: Anne Butler, Carole Oliver & The Victorian College of the Arts, Secondary Program.