Kristen Stockenstrom was recently awarded the Eastern Cape Cecchetti Intermediate Award after only seven months of training in the Cecchetti ballet method.
The award, introduced to the province last year, is based on the performance given by candidates during their ballet examinations and is awarded to the most outstanding dancer, out of all the Eastern Cape entries, at the intermediate level.
“The exam was tough, but I worked really hard,” said Kirsten, 15, who completed her intermediate vocational exam last week on Tuesday.
She started training under the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet method when she was three years old.
Looking for a change and a challenge, Kirsten switched to Cecchetti and started training with the Joanna Wright School of Ballet in April this year.
“Cecchetti is much more technical and I found it more challenging. The names of all the steps are also different so I had to get used to that too. I couldn’t have done any of it without Mrs Wright. I’ve never had so much support before, she helped me to achieve this in such a short time and I just want to thank her for everything.”
The Grade 9 Stirling High School pupil also does contemporary, hip hop and highland dancing.
“I love dancing because you can express yourself through it. Contemporary is my favourite, because to me, it’s the most expressive dance style. You can just do what you feel and interpret the dance in your own way,” Kirsten said.
Wright said she was proud of Kirsten’s achievement.
“I’m very proud of Kristen because she had to work extra hard, she had a lot of catching up to do in a very short time.
“She put in a lot of extra hours and I’m thrilled for her. All her hard work paid off,” Wright said.
“It’s wonderful for dancers of this level to receive this kind of recognition because it inspires them to continue striving to do their best.”..