Trixie Hardy, Theatre Dance Scholarship (North American)
Welcome to The BATD Trixie Hardy Theatre Branch Scholarships. A weekend that includes Scholarship classes for students, CPD classes for Teachers and Examiners. Workshop classes featuring leading Instructors in their field.
Scholarship nominees are selected by Examiners from the previous year’s examinations. Talented students from Grades 3 upwards are selected to take part in this prestigious event held annually in Toronto Ontario. Students nationwide will come together and showcase their technique, dance quality and personalities to a panel of distinguished adjudicators all vying for that Special recognition of the BATD Scholarship Ballet or Theatre Dance Award Winner.
Teachers and Students, congratulations on your nominations and we look forward to weekend of spectacular dancing, fun and laughter and sharing our love of dance.
This year's Scholarships will take place 6th and 7th November 2026, at Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa, with Toronto Theatre Workshop taking place on Sunday November 8th 2026.
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa
8500 Warden Ave, Markham, Ontario
About 25 minutes north of the City of Markham, northeast of Toronto and about 25 minutes from downtown and Pearson International Airport with easy access to highways.
Phone reservations: 905-470-8500
More information will be available in due course.
ALL REGISTRATIONS AND SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENTS TO BE FORWARDED TO SHELAGH CONNOLLY
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Further information to be confirmed in due course.
Further information to be confirmed in due course.
2025 JUNIOR BALLET WINNER
ANGELA LI - THE CUMBRAE SCHOOL OF DANCING
JUNIOR BALLET RUNNER-UP
LILIA FARSI - THE CUMBRAE SCHOOL OF DANCING
JUNIOR BALLET BEST POTENTIAL CANDIDATE
EVELYN THOMPSON - THE CUMBRAE SCHOOL OF DANCING
JUNIOR BALLET 4TH PLACE
ALISON WEEKS - DANCE FACTOR STUDIOS LTD
JUNIOR BALLET 5TH PLACE
ANNA AUD - THE CUMBRAE SCHOOL OF DANCING
JUNIOR BALLET 6TH PLACE
MIRIAM REED - TK DANCEWORK
2025 SENIOR BALLET WINNER
JUSTINE HANDS - RHYTHM DANCE CENTER
SENIOR BALLET RUNNER-UP
AZAELLE LAROUCHE - LE PRISME CULTUREL INC
SENIOR BALLET BEST POTENTIAL CANDIDATE
DANIELL ABOUNEHME - PIQUE DANCE STUDIO
SENIOR BALLET 4TH PLACE
AYLISSA MARCHAND - LE PRISME CULTUREL INC
SENIOR BALLET 5TH PLACE
LEANNE FORTIN - LE PRISME CULTUREL INC
SENIOR BALLET 6TH PLACE TIE
FINLAY CRAIG - THE CUMBRAE SCHOOL OF DANCING
SENIOR BALLET 6TH PLACE TIE
MALORY LEGAULT - LE PRISME CULTUREL INC
SENIOR BALLET 6TH PLACE TIE
LEIGHTON SWANN - ZERO GRAVITY DANCE COMPANY
2025 JUNIOR TAP/STAGE WINNER
MAETA LIMA - NEEDHAM SCHOOL OF DANCE
JUNIOR TAP/STAGE RUNNER-UP
OLIVIA VISSER - PIQUE DANCE STUDIO
JUNIOR TAP/STAGE BEST POTENTIAL CANDIDATE
MIRIAM REED - TK DANCEWORX
JUNIOR TAP/STAGE 4TH PLACE
CASEY COATHUP - TK DANCEWORX
JUNIOR TAP/STAGE 5TH PLACE
SAMANTHA TENNANT-BARTOSIK - THEATRE DANCE ACADEMY
JUNIOR TAP/STAGE 6TH PLACE
LEIGHTON SWAN - ZERO GRAVITY DANCE COMPANY
2025 SENIOR STAGE/TAP WINNER
SHEA BEDYN - GILLILAND - PIQUE DANCE STUDIO
SENIOR STAGE/TAP RUNNER-UP
TARYNN HUGGAN - PIQUE DANCE STUDIO
SENIOR STAGE/TAP BEST POTENTIAL CANDIDATE
ANNE SIMPSON - ZERO GRAVITY DANCE COMPANY
SENIOR STAGE/TAP 4TH PLACE
ERICA MOTA - NEEDHAM SCHOOL OF DANCE
SENIOR STAGE/TAP 5TH PLACE
LEI TUGWELL - NEEDHAM SCHOOL OF DANCE
SENIOR STAGE/TAP 6TH PLACE
REESE HEISTERKAMP - LEISA'S SCHOOL OF DANCE
2025 JUNIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ WINNER
HAILEY WAGG - THEATRE DANCE ACADEMY
JUNIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ RUNNER-UP
OLIVIA VISSER - PIQUE DANCE STUDIO
JUNIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ BEST POTENTIAL CANDIDATE
NEVAEH CRUZ - ANA - MARIA'S DANCE ACADEMY
JUNIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ 4TH PLACE
SAMANTHA TENNANT-BARTOSIK - THEATRE DANCE ACADEMY
JUNIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ 5TH PLACE
KEHARA FERNANDO - PIQUE DANCE STUDIO
JUNIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ 6TH PLACE
JULIA ROBICHARD - REVIVAL SCHOOL OF DANCE
2025 SENIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ WINNER
ERICA MOTA - NEEDHAM SCHOOL OF DANCE
SENIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ RUNNER-UP
JAZMYN EMMANUEL - STAR DANCE ACADEMY
SENIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ BEST POTENTIAL CANDIDATE
VIVIAN ARSENAULT - ANA - MARIA'S DANCE ACADEMY
SENIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ 4TH PLACE
MAYA RITCHIE - STAR DANCE ACADEMY
SENIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ 5TH PLACE
VICTORIA FIGUEROA - STAR DANCE ACADEMY
SENIOR MODERN DANCE/JAZZ 6TH PLACE
AZAELLE LAROUCHE - LE PRISME CULTUREL INC
North American Trixie Hardy Scholarships 2025
The Trixie Hardy Scholarships in Toronto, held on October 24th and 25th, 2025, was an exceptionally busy weekend for all candidates. Over 300 dancers representing 35 schools attended, showcasing the outstanding dedication and expertise of B.A.T.D. teachers and their students. This impressive turnout was a testament to the superior work being done throughout the organization.
Throughout the weekend, the remarkable talent, drive, and enthusiasm displayed by every student created an atmosphere of excitement for all participants and attendees. The energy extended beyond those performing, making the event enjoyable for everyone present.
The scholarship classes stood out for their superior content, creativity, and fun. Led by the skilled instructors Jay Fagan, Connie Sweeney, and Lauren Calderbank, every student had the opportunity to shine as a B.A.T.D. Star. Their expertise contributed greatly to the overall success and enjoyment of the weekend.
A special highlight was the return of pianist Erik Geddis, who once again enchanted ballet candidates, teachers, and parents with live music. This experience fostered a deeper appreciation for live accompaniment, and the organization is extremely grateful for his contributions.
Classes transitioned smoothly between sessions, and before long, the day had come to a close. The placements of the candidates reflected the strength and talent developed by B.A.T.D. teachers across various regions. Congratulations to all who participated and excelled.
The invaluable assistance provided by volunteers did not go unnoticed and was deeply appreciated. Special thanks go out to Beverly, Jacqueline, Janice, Alicia, Amber, Meg, and Claire, as well as many others who contributed to the event’s success. Your support is truly valued.
The weekend concluded on a high note with a jam-packed workshop sponsored by the Toronto Region. The diverse range of classes—from Ballet to Musical Theatre and everything in between—provided memorable experiences for participants from the Mini’s to Seniors age groups. Top choreographers and guest instructors helped make the day exciting, with positive energy felt throughout the venue.
Gratitude is extended to President Elma Whyte and her husband Jim Brown for their attendance, kind words of praise, and commitment to ensuring every child was recognized. Their leadership and encouragement were appreciated by all. The hope is to continue this tradition next year.
Thank you to all teachers for your ongoing support and trust in the organization’s ability to nurture and educate your students in dance. Your dedication underpins the event’s continued success.
The organization looks forward to welcoming everyone again next year for another inspiring and successful Trixie Hardy Scholarships weekend.
Shelagh Connolly
