The CICB competition is generously supported by the Cecchetti Society Trust.

We are delighted to be holding the ISTD selection event, for the Cecchetti International Classical Ballet (CICB) Competition, on 11 February 2024 at Elmhurst Ballet School. 

This event will serve as the pre-selection event for students of ISTD Cecchetti member teachers, before winning competitors go onto the finals held in Michigan, USA in July 2024.The finals CICB competition, held in Michigan, USA in July 2024, offers exceptionally talented Cecchetti students the opportunity to perform for an international audience and world-renowned choreographers and dance professionals. The competition’s networking and scholarship opportunities provide participating young artists essential skills and valuable experience to pursue continuing dance education and promising professional careers.

Competitors in the live ISTD selection event will perform in a Classical Ballet class, a Contemporary class and perform Classical solos in front of highly experienced and respected industry adjudicators. International competitors will also have the opportunity to compete online. Please note online entries are open to International entries only, or with special permission from the CICB UK delegates and the ISTD. Full details regarding the classes, solo requirements and submission deadlines, can be found in the Teachers pack available after purchase.

Teachers, family and friends are very welcome to purchase audience tickets to support the young dancers.

Timetable*

11.10 Junior Ballet Class
12.00 Break
12.15 Senior Ballet Class
13.15 Break
13.45 Junior Contemporary class
14.30 Break
14.45 Senior Contemporary class
15.30 Break
15.45 Junior and Senior Classical solos (There will be a short break between the Junior and Senior solos)

Results will not be delivered on the day. Selected candidates and their teachers will be notified by email after the event.

*The schedule is subject to slight variation.

Further details about the final international competition can be found on the CICB website. 

Junior Award

• Minimum age 14 years and maximum 16 years at the commencement of the competition - 21 July 2024.
• The competitor must have passed Intermediate in the Cecchetti Method.
• Be a student and not a professional dancer (i.e. anyone who is employed as a full time dancer with a professional dance company. This includes dancers who are not currently employed but have been in the past).
• Prospective competitors may only apply once, through the audition process of one CICB member organization.

Junior Award - Work to be prepared/shown 

• A full teachers pack, detailing the work for live and online entries, is available after the purchase of an entry.
• Junior classical class work will be set at an Intermediate level and include some set and unset exercises.
• All entries will perform a classical solo of their teachers choice.
• LIVE entries will take part in an unset, contemporary class on stage.
• ONLINE entries will submit a contemporary solo via their video submission.

Senior Award

• Minimum age 17 years and maximum 20 years at the commencement of the competition - 21 July 2024.
• The competitor must have passed Advanced 1 in the Cecchetti Method.
• Be a student and not a professional dancer (i.e. anyone who is employed as a full time dancer with a professional dance company. This includes dancers who are not currently employed but have been in the past).
• Prospective competitors may only apply once, through the audition process of one CICB member organization.

Senior Award - Work to be prepared/shown

• A full teachers pack, detailing the work for live and online entries, is available after the purchase of an entry.
• Senior classical class work will be set at an Advanced 1 level and include some set and unset exercises. Competitors will be asked to detail at a later date which option they are to follow, Option 1 or Option 2.
• All entries will perform a classical solo of their teachers choice.
• LIVE entries will take part in an unset, contemporary class on stage.
• ONLINE entries will submit a contemporary solo via their video submission.

Adjudication

Results will not be delivered on the day. Selected candidates and their teachers will be notified by email after the event. 

Cecchetti Society Trust Bursaries

The Cecchetti Society Trust has generously agreed to provide a number of bursaries for successful ISTD competitors to attend the International Competition in the USA in July 2024. 

• It is anticipated that there will be up to six bursaries available, and these will be allocated at the selection event by The Cecchetti Society Trust at their sole discretion in the Junior and Senior categories based on the recommendations of the Adjudicators.  
• Bursary funds awarded may only be used to support successful dancers in their own personal costs associated with the CICB Competition entry fee, accommodation, food and travel to the International Competition  in the USA.
• All dancers under 18 years of age on the date of departure from the UK must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is attending in a supervisory role at their own expense. ISTD and The Cecchetti Society Trust are not able to accept responsibility for the supervision, safety and welfare of competitors or their chaperones at the International Competition.
   

Please note that because funds are limited, The Cecchetti Society Trust may not be able to offer full support to all selected students who would therefore need to meet all or part of their own expenses to attend the competition.  

• Competitors must be studying with an ISTD Cecchetti member and must be entered by the named ISTD member. 
• All entries to be submitted by the teacher and not by the parents/guardian. Receipt for acknowledgment of entry will be emailed to the teacher by way of an automatic confirmation email. 
• The Official Accompanist will play for the classical ballet and contemporary selection classes in the event. 
• Competitors must provide their music in advance for Classical Solo via a dropbox link provided after entry.
• Teachers and competitors shall agree to abide by ALL the rules laid down for the Competition and shall accept the Adjudicator's decision as final. No individual feedback will be given. 
• Anyone competing in this event does so at their own risk and parents/carers will be asked to confirm their child is fit to participate. The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing will not accept any responsibility for any injury. 
• Principals & Teachers – Please ensure all teachers involved in preparing pupils for the competition, are fully aware of and understand the competition rules. The integrity of the teacher is relied upon to ensure that the rules are followed by all participants to enable the smooth running of the event. 
• By entering the competition, the competitor confirms they are eligible to enter and wishes to be considered for the CICB competition 2024, is available to attend the competition in USA (21 - 27 July 2024) and has read and understood the entry requirements and competition details published on the competition site. 
• If the competitor is under the age of 18 years at the date of the CICB competition 2024, it is understood they must be accompanied by a chaperone/parent/guardian.  
• We regret that, once purchased, tickets for both competitors and audience members are non-refundable. 
• Upon submission of your application on your competitor’s behalf you are agreeing to the criteria set above and that you agree to adhere to Terms & Conditions.