VALRENE TWEEDIE SCHOLARSHIP
The Valrene Tweedie Scholarship Fund has been established in memory of our beloved Valrene Tweedie O.A.M. who dedicated her life to the world of dance. The scholarship is aimed at young dancers pursuing full time vocational dance training at a National Council recognised dance training establishment, where their attendance will be compromised due to financial hardship.
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The Scholarship makes available $10,000 bi-annually which will be distributed at National Councils, the Selection Committee and Trustees discretion. Scholarships will be awarded to worthy applicants on merit. Full and part scholarships may be awarded.
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Athol Willoughby and Valrene Tweedie in Tweedies’s production of Francesca da Rimini. National Theatre Ballet, 1955. Photo: Walter Stringer. Personal collection of Athol Willoughby
Past Recipients
2025
Congratulations to Samantha Wong
Cecchetti Teachers:
Denise Utz School of Dance; Denise Utz, Annabel Utz
Alegria Dance Studios; Hilary Kaplan, Archibald McKenzie
State: NSW
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We are delighted to announce the 2025 winner of The Valrene Tweedie Scholarship is Samantha Wong.
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Samantha commenced her training with Denise and Annabelle Utz (Denise Utz School of Dance) with whom she trained for all her Cecchetti examinations. She has then attended her full time training at Alegria Dance Studios; with Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie.
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Samantha aspires to become a professional ballet dancer, showcasing artistry and pure technique on international stages. After receiving scholarships from esteemed U.S. schools like Colorado Ballet and Florida Ballet, she plans to enhance her training, complete an audition tour, establish connections, and build a strong foundation for a career in a world-class ballet company. The funds awarded from the Valrene Tweedie Scholarship will enable her to pursue these incredible opportunities by covering critical expenses.
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Congratulations to Samantha on her achievement and her teachers for the excellent training they have obviously given her and wish her every success in her future career.
2023
Congratulations to Arainn Pillay
Cecchetti Teacher: Robyn Ross
School: Tanya Pearson Academy
State: NSW
Arainn began full-time ballet training in 2019 at the age of 12 and was introduced to the Cecchetti syllabus the following year. Primarily under the guidance of Miss Robyn Ross and Miss Jane Moran, Arainn thrived in the Cecchetti system. In 2023, Arainn was awarded the Valrene Tweedie Scholarship and was the winner of the Lucie Saranova Memorial Award Gold Medal. He was also a finalist in the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship in 2023. Arainn is currently studying at the Dutch National Ballet Academy, a dream made possible by the Valrene Tweedie Scholarship.
2021
The Trustees of the Valrene Tweedie Fund are delighted to announce Joshua Ballinger as the recipient of the scholarship. Joshua is a current student studying year 12 at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. He took his first Cecchetti class at age two and has studied with teachers including Trudy Harris, Lisa Pyke, Justine Morris, Carole Oliver OAM, Anne Butler, Laura Kinross, Melanie West and Ben Ho. Congratulations Joshua, we look forward to hearing of your future accomplishments.
2019
The Trustees were delighted in awarding the 4th Scholarship to Lily Minchenko
2017
3rd Scholarship Fund awarded to Joshua Price
2015
On July 11th, the Trustees had great pleasure in presenting the second Scholarship to an extremely talented young dancer, Rebecca Blenkinsop, during the annual Cecchetti Conference this year. Rebecca is a student at VCASS at present whilst continuing her Cecchetti training and was selected by the Panel appointed by the Trustees consisting of Juliet Burnett, Margaret Illmann, Marilyn Jones M.B.E, David McAllister A.M. and Athol Willoughby O.A.M, all dancers who had long associations with Miss Tweedie.
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Rebecca was awarded the Most Promising Dancer at the Cecchetti International Competition in USA last year, and was a finalist in the Prix de Lausanne earlier this year. This is where Rebecca was offered a place at The Royal Ballet School in London, but was unable to accept due to the expenses involved. The Valrene Tweedie Scholarship has enabled her to accept this place and she will be leaving Australia in early September to fulfil her dreams. We are sure that Valrene would agree that Rebecca is a most worthy recipient of the Award established in her name and we wish her every success in her future.
2013
Georgia Swann inaugaral winner of the scholarship.
