Celebrating Progress - S.T.A.R.S Award winners and Students of the Month
At NFAD, we believe that success in dance isn’t just measured by technique or exam results — it’s also about teamwork, attitude, and effort. That’s why we run two in-house recognition schemes that shine a light on our students' all-round achievements: the S.T.A.R.S. Award Program and our Student of the Month.
S.T.A.R.S
The S.T.A.R.S. Award Program is designed to celebrate students' “weekly wins” — those moments of growth, kindness or focus that deserve to be noticed. It’s open to all students up to Grade 4 level, and runs right across our classes and styles.
Each week, teachers can award students a badge and certificate for demonstrating one of the five S.T.A.R.S. qualities:
S – Skill
Excellent execution of technique or achievement of a new step.T – Team
Supporting classmates and working well with others in class.A – Artistry
Showing strong musicality, performance skills or expression.R – Recognition
Acknowledging standout effort, perseverance or commitment.S – Star
Going above and beyond — shining bright in every way!
Why We Created the Program
We introduced the S.T.A.R.S. Award Program to give students a way to feel proud of their progress beyond formal exams. It’s a fun and inclusive way for dancers to track their growth, be recognised for effort and character, and celebrate each other’s successes.
By acknowledging things like teamwork, artistry and resilience, we’re encouraging a positive, collaborative atmosphere in class — and helping students understand that success comes in many forms.
It also gives our teachers a chance to highlight the quieter wins — the dancers who persevere, lift others up, or quietly grow in confidence week by week.
Student of the Month
Once students reach Grade 5 and above, they graduate into our Student of the Month recognition scheme — a monthly award that continues the spirit of S.T.A.R.S. but reflects the increased focus and maturity of our older dancers.
Each month, one dancer is selected for consistently showing dedication, improvement, and a positive attitude in class. They may be working towards exams, supporting others, or pushing themselves to grow — but above all, they’re showing the values we champion here at NFAD.
Recognition That Builds Confidence
Whether it’s a S.T.A.R.S. badge or a Student of the Month award, these programs reflect our commitment to nurturing confident, well-rounded dancers. We believe that recognition should be inclusive, inspiring, and rooted in effort and attitude — not just outcomes.
And when students feel seen and celebrated, their love for dance grows even stronger.
Congratulations to our past winners!
July 2025
S.T.A.R.S
Tots
Connie – Skill
Iris – Skill
Isla-May – Skill
Annabelle – Skill
Movers
Danu – Artistry
Emma – Recognition
Ayva – Artistry
Amber – Recognition
Luna – Recognition
Willow – Recognition
Willow – Skill
Pre-Primary
Zia – Artistry
Florrie – Recognition
Demelza – Skill
Freya – Skill
Lara – Skill
Nancy – Skill
Primary
Ada – Skill
Alice – Artistry
Cora – Artistry
Nancy – Recognition
Audrey – Recognition
Ada – Skill
Nancy – Star
Emilia – Star
Musical Theatre
Iris – Star
Grade 1
Lily – Skill
Juliette – Skill
Felicity – Skill
Rose – Recognition
Celeste – Skill
Grade 3
Maimie – Skill
Camille – Skill
Leah – Recognition
Esme – Team
Amelia – Recognition
Grade 4
Molly – Artistry
Olivia – Recognition
Student of the Month
Natalia
June 2025
S.T.A.R.S
Tots
Athena – Recognition
Connie – Recognition
Anabelle – Skill
Marhi – Skill
Isla – Recognition
Annabelle – Skill
Movers
Francesca – Recognition
Olive – Artistry
Felix – Skill
Georgia – Team
Pre-Primary
Zia – Recognition
Florrie – Skill
Lexi – Skill
Arianna – Team
Danielle – Team
Charlotte – Recognition
Primary
Isabel – Skill
Cora – Skill
Alice – Skill
Phoebe – Recognition
Emma – Recognition
Grade 1
Celeste – Recognition
Sophia – Recognition
Eliki – Skill
Grade 3
Amelia – Skill
Harper – Skill
Grade 4
James – Recognition
Rowen – Skill
Phoebe – Team
Student of the Month
Bo
May 2025
S.T.A.R.S
Tots
Iris – Skill
Anabelle – Skill
Movers
Georgia – Team
Frances – Recognition
Emma – Recognition
Ayva – Artistry
Willow – Recognition
Pre-Primary
Charlotte – Recognition
Florrie – Recognition
Lara – Skill
Lexi – Skill
Primary
Alice – Artistry
Emma – Recognition
Audrey – Recognition
Nancy – Star
Emilia – Star
Isabel – Skill
Cora – Skill
Grade 1
Juliette – Skill
Celeste – Skill
Grade 3
Harper – Skill
Esme – Team
Amelia – Skill
Grade 4
Phoebe – Team
Student of the Month
Pixie
N.B. Whilst the S.T.A.R.S awards programme and student of the month programme began in 2024, this list was started in May 2025. Congratulations to all those not listed here who won an award before this list was begun.
