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Wellington College’s Dance Department is celebrating national recognition after pupils were named as finalists at two prestigious dance awards.
At the 2026 Dance School Awards, Wellington was represented in two categories. Current pupil Valentina (13 E) was named a finalist in the Senior Ballet Soloist category, while Icarus, choreographed by Joint Head of Dance Caroline Kenworthy and performed by the Wellington Dance Scholars, was shortlisted for the Creative Innovation Award.
Held at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End on 6 September, the Dance School Awards bring together dancers, schools, choreographers and industry professionals to celebrate achievement across the UK dance community. Finalists are assessed on areas including technical ability, musicality, artistic interpretation and performance quality. The Creative Innovation Award particularly recognises original ideas, creative risk-taking and inventive uses of movement and staging. Find out more about the Dance School Awards.
The Dance Department was delighted to be named as a finalist in both categories, a significant achievement and wonderful recognition of the pupils’ talent, creativity and hard work.
Icarus was also named a finalist at the 2026 UK Dance Awards, receiving a second national nomination in recognition of its creativity and innovation.
The UK Dance Awards are the first national awards dedicated exclusively to recognising excellence across the UK dance landscape. They celebrate outstanding schools, educators, choreographers and emerging talent, highlighting those who are raising standards, inspiring young people and helping to shape the future of dance.
Entries are reviewed by an independent panel of professionals from across the dance and education sectors, with finalists selected on merit, impact and excellence. The awards ceremony took place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London on 4 October. While Icarus did not take home the award on the night, being selected as a national finalist was a fantastic achievement and further recognition of the creativity, commitment and talent within Wellington’s Dance Department. Find out more about the UK Dance Awards.
Caroline Kenworthy, Joint Head of Dance, said:
“We are delighted to be able to offer our pupils such incredible opportunities for national-level competition and recognition in dance. It is fantastic that the same rigour, dedication and learning are recognised and supported within the Dance Department as they are across all areas of the curriculum at Wellington. To be nominated for these awards is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the pupils. We are always blown away by their ability to step up to new roles, new challenges and new choreography with such positivity and joy.”
Reflecting on the important role dance has played during her time at Wellington, current pupil Ellie said:
“The Dance Department has been an integral part of my Wellington journey and has helped shape me into who I am today. It fosters an environment where self-expression and confidence are encouraged, allowing everyone to be themselves without judgement.”
Another current pupil Rosie added:
“Being part of Wellington’s Dance Department has been such a special part of my school experience. It allows me to express myself and take on new challenges through competitions, performances and choreography. I have also met pupils from different year groups and built strong relationships with the teachers, who are incredibly supportive and always encourage us to reach our full potential.”
Congratulations to Valentina, Caroline, Clare and all the Wellington Dance Scholars and Department on this fantastic national recognition.
To see for yourself the talent and creativity behind this national recognition, join us for our annual Dance Show on 2 and 3 December. Tickets are now available, make sure you book early! The Dance Show – Cluedo
