Six Swansea Elementary School ballet students will take the Cecchetti level one exam on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 12:00 p.m. Elia Rivas, Yadira Loya, Noemy Rodriguez, Brian Rivas, Elizabeth Nunez and Manuel Nunez have been studying for the Cecchetti level one exam since last June.

Swansea Ballet instructor Esther Smith has been working with Ballet Mistress Julia Walsh to fine-tune the ballet instruction and promote excellence in the students’ abilities, Smith said. Walsh, founder of the Colorado School Alliance, is one of Denver’s best ballet teachers and works to improve the standard of ballet teaching in Denver, Smith said. “The children are very excited and enthusiastic,” Smith said. “They practice every morning on the playground. They are ready.”

The National Cecchetti Council will test the students on their oral knowledge of ballet theory and their dance skills. Enrico Cecchetti was an Italian dancer and teacher who developed one of the most influential systems of ballet training. The judges travel internationally to test students on their musicality, expression and technique.

Certified Cecchetti of America Examiner Bethany Lenhart will judge Swansea’s students. Each student will be judged on a routine developed for his or her level. The exam will determine if the student is progressing toward professional excellence in ballet, Smith said.

The exams will be held at the Colorado School of Ballet, located at 3920 S. Federal Blvd.

Swansea Elementary School is located at 4650 Columbine Street. For more information on the Cecchetti exams, or Swansea’s Ballet program, contact Esther Smith at 303-296-8429.