
Madam Saronova was the founding organiser and first chairman of the Australian Cecchetti Society Branch of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing; her term of office covering a record span of 37 years from 1934 - 1971. Born in Mill Bank, London her associations with Australia go back to 1916 when she set sail for a 3 year tour of Australasia and the Far East with a company which revolved around the talents of English actress and variety star, Ada Reeves. Madam's future husband, Mr. Harry Jacobs, was the musical director and conductor for the company. Although a student of the Maestro Enrico Cecchetti, Madam was already a trained dancer and well seasoned professional of some 8 years before joining the London classes of Cecchetti following her return from the Southern Hemisphere tour. It was on her 9th birthday that her mother took her daughter Lucie for her first dancing lesson. For 3 years she studied with Paul Valentine, a French dancing master of repute who had settled in London; at the same time she also took classes with the Italian dancer Rita Zalmame thus receiving an introduction to the Cecchetti set work.
A pupil of talent she was soon leading a busy life as a child performer in both pantomime and variety, the only venues where English dancers could perform prior to the First World War. Appearing as "Little Lucie", she was soon being noticed by London critics who even in 1911 noted what were to become her strong points as a dancer - namely a strong virtuoso technique, coupled with much versatility.
Her first overseas performances were given during 1917 in India; leading on to her Australian debut at the Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne. The Company Manager for this tour being Mr. T.J. Holt father of our future Prime Minister Harold Holt, through whose influence the Australian Ballet was founded in 1962. Before the end of 1919, "Little Lucie Linda" as she had been known professionally became Lucie Saronova due to the vogue for Russian dancers. No dancer without a Russian name would have been able to gain employment for many years. It was in this same year that Madam was accepted by the Maestro Cecchetti for instruction in his famous method of dance training, now that he had retired from touring and had settled in London to teach.
Soon Saronova had a big decision to make. After giving her one of the few certificates awarded to his English pupils, which proclaimed her right to teach his method, Cecchetti arranged for an audition with the famous director of "Les Ballets Russes", Serge Diaghilev; however at this same time Harry Jacobs proposed marriage. After much soul searching, Madam decided on the latter course - a decision, which she was never to regret as her marriage, gave her one-month short of 67 years of happiness.
Accompanying Ada Reeves for her 3rd tour of Australia in 1921, Madam and Mr. Jacobs decided to settle in Melbourne where the former opened a dance school teaching for many years, also acting as both choreographer and leading dancer in the ballets which proceeded films at both the Capitol and Regent Theatres; whilst Mr. Jacobs become conductor of the Palais Orchestra, St Kilda. Upon her retirement as a performer Madam made one last return to London during 1934 in order to catch up on further developments in dance, before a return to Melbourne where she settled down to solely teach and so pass on the precepts of her beloved Maestro Cecchetti to successive generations of Melbourne dance students. With the advent of the Second World War, she closed her studio but was brought out of retirement by Miss Jean Alexander, the director of the National Theatre Ballet School in 1949. It was in this final phase of her career that she taught a number of students who were instrumental in seeing that her devotion to the precepts of Cecchetti were carried forward.
Always devoted to her dear Maestro, Madam taught his work with skill, along with joy in dance. Thanks to her determination alongside the pioneering efforts of the original Cecchetti teachers in South Australia (Wanda Edwards) and N.S.W. (Estelle Anderson), the Method has become a well-respected force in dance training in all states of this country. By Athol Willoughby O.A.M.
2022
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
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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
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2018
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
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details to come
2017
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
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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
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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

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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

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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
-
Madison Devietti (NSW)
-
Heather MacLachlan (WA)
2013
Lucie Saronova Memorial Award
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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
-
Shaylee Mills (WA)
-
Chloe Michelle Hollow (NSW)
-
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
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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
-
Chloe Michelle Hollow of NSW, teachers: Monique Feain
-
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
-
Kenji Wilkie of NSW,
teachers: Hilary Kaplan, Archie McKenzie, Alegria School of Ballet -
Kate Arber of VIC,
-
teacher: Anne Butler, Carole Oliver & The Victorian College of the Arts, Secondary Program.