Peers vote 2 students tops

It’s one thing to have your family members say you’re great, but to have your peers name you as the best, is a terrific honor.  At Salt Creek Ballet, fellow elite-level students voted for two of their peers to receive top awards for “working the hardest,” and “accomplishing the most,” during the school’s recent six-week Summer Intensive dance program.

Christina Salerno, Executive Director, Salt Creek Ballet, explains that the Sigurdson Award was initiated by the school’s founder, Patricia Sigurdson in 2012.  Modeled after a program she participated in as a youth, the award seeks to honor dancers’ hard work and success.  In addition to recognition, honorees received an engraved pendant fashioned by Hamilton Jewelry and presented by Steven Sigurdson, son of Patricia.

Students voted and awarded Emily Scehovic, 14, the “hardest worker” honor.

How’d she do it? “This is my first year performing with the highest level of students at Salt Creek.  I was so excited to dance with such focused and driven people.  I knew I had to give 100 percent to do well.  I loved it, and hope to dance in college and on the professional stage,” Scehovic says.  “The Salt Creek teachers challenge us to work hard to learn new dance combinations and perfect our technique.”

Fellow student Katherine Cackovic, 17, was voted the one who “ accomplished the most” during the program.  She explains, “Although I’ve been dancing since I was four, I’ve only been with Salt Creek Ballet for one year.  I have never studied the Russian style of ballet, and knew I had to work hard to catch up.  The four teachers, plus the artistic directors Sergey and Zhanna, were amazing.  They gave me individual direction, which helped me correct my mistakes.  I knew what I had to work on to improve.  My pointe work and turns definitely grew stronger with their help.  I look forward to continuing dancing with Salt Creek, and pursing dance in college.”

For more information, call Westmont-based Salt Creek Ballet at (630) 769-1199, or visit www.saltcreekballet.org.

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