Ninette de Valois Junior Choreographic Competition

One of the highlights of the White Lodge calendar, the Ninette de Valois Junior Choreographic Competition was held at the Lower School on Thursday 31 March. Open to Years 7, 8 and 9 (for students aged 11 - 13 years), this competition is dedicated to the memory of Dame Ninette de Valois and continues to encourage and develop the creative skills of our young dancers.

This year’s judges were Dame Monica Mason DBE, Director of The Royal Ballet, Kevin O’Hare, Administrative Director of The Royal Ballet and Kate Flatt, Choreographer and Choreographic Coordinator at the Upper School.

The judges’ results were as follows:

1st Prize: Lana Antoniou and Nadia Mullova-Barley (Year 8) - Reflected, music by Gabriel Fauré

Joint 2nd Prize: Amelia Palmiero (Year 8) - Vivace, music by Robert Schumann

Joint 2nd Prize: Augusta de Marchis (Year 8) - A Tempestuous Night, music by Modest Mussorgsky

3rd Prize: Megan Cameron (Year 9) - Lost Her Way, music by Christopher Rousse

The John Mitchell Prize for the best choreographic folder was awarded to Charlotte Edmonds and Christopher Thomas (Year 9).

The James Monahan Medal for the most promising choreographer was presented to Annabella Sanders (Year 7) for her Magical Christmas.

The Valerie Adams Award for a White Lodge dancer showing exceptional talent in musicality and dance quality was presented by Valerie Adams to Barny Sharratt (Year 11).

The April Olrich Award for Dynamic Performance was presented by her husband Nigel Pegram to John Rhys Halliwell (Year 11).

Pictured: Judges with winners from Years 7, 8 and 9
Photo: Marius Arnold-Clarke