Malta Awards 2023

The Cecchetti Malta Awards were founded in 2018 on the initiative of Ms. Catherine Hutchon. Originally only one category was held: The Tanya Bayona Award, which was set up to honour Ms. Bayona’s teaching career in Malta.  Through the encouragement of Philippa McMeechan (Head of Faculty Development, Cecchetti Faculty) and Carole Watson (International Representative – Europe) we now have 3 categories.

This year Ms Lusymay Di Stefano, ex principal with La Scala di Milano, was our guest adjudicator. Ms Nina Winter taught the classes and Ms Maria Elena Farrugia accompanied the classes.

The day started off with 51 students aged 9 to 12 participating in the Junior awards. 15 certificates of excellence in various categories were awarded.  The Middle awards consisted of 25 students and in the afternoon the Senior students competed for the coveted Tanya Bayona Award.  Ms. Di Stefano complimented the students for their hard work and for being so focused.  She also gave them advice on how to prepare their pointe shoes.

I would like to thank Philippa McMeechan, Sophie Maasland and Carole Anne Watson for all their encouragement and their hard work to coordinate the awards as well as the local organizing group who are an essential part of the success of the awards Brigitte Gauci Borda, Johane Casabene, Mireille Coleiro, Nicola Fenech, Rowena Grech.

We are very grateful to the Cecchetti Society Trust, who generously sponsor the Awards.

- Theresa Lungaro-Mifsud
Administrator, The Cecchetti Malta Awards

ISTD Cecchetti Malta Awards 2023 Results

Adjudicator: Ms Lusymay Di Stefano ex principal dancer, La Scala di Milano

Tanya Bayona Senior Award

Winner
Yasmine Pullinico, Nicola Fenech

Runner Up
Claudia Santamaria Soriano, Bridgitte Gauci Borda

Middle Award

Winner
Ella Pace, Marisha Bonnici

Runner Up
Bianca Ellul Sullivan, Marisha Bonnici

Special Commendations
Sophie Abela, Sophie Borg Barthet
Diya Delicata, Marisha Bonnici
Rowena Grech, Marisha Bonnici

Junior Award

Best Talent
Julia Azzopardi, Rowena Grech

Artistry
Christa de Gray, Theresa Lungaro-Mifsud

Best Port de Bras
Aimee Agius, Johane Casabene
Mila Woods, Marisha Bonnici

Best Pirouettes
Shione Cassar Borg, Johane Casabene

Best Allegro
Mattea Portelli, Rowena Grech

Best Solo Performance
Charlie Falzon, Marisha Bonnici
Kendriya Brincat, Johane Casabene

Best Leg Technique
Yesenia Camilleri, Marisha Bonnici

Best Technique
Ida Pace, Marisha Bonnici

Class Award
Ella Scriha, Marisha Bonnici

Joy of Dance
Nina Demajo, Marisha Bonnici

Musicality
Kay Bonello, Marisha Bonnici

Special Commendation
Ella Rose Hartvig, Marisha Bonnici
Elle Bonnici, Marisha Bonnici