The pursuit of technical precision and artistic expression has once again paid dividends for the students of the Ballettschule Krejsa. At the recent Austrian Dance Cup (ADC) held in Bad Ischl, the school’s young dancers demonstrated a remarkable level of discipline and skill, securing multiple top honors in a highly competitive environment.
The Austrian Dance Cup remains a pivotal event for youth dance in the region, drawing hundreds of participants who undergo rigorous judging to validate years of training. For the Ballettschule Krejsa, the competition served as a showcase for the versatility of its curriculum, with students excelling in categories ranging from traditional folklore to the demanding art of pointe work.
Among the standout performers was 14-year-old Acelya Cetinkaya from Suben, who claimed first place in the “National & Folklore” category for her age group. Her performance, a Gypsy Dance rooted in classical ballet, was noted for its precise technique and charm. Cetinkaya, who has trained under the guidance of Elisabeth Krejsa since the age of four, has built a consistent record of gold and silver medals through a combination of persistence and discipline, as reported by local regional reports.
Gold Standard in Bad Ischl
The school’s success was not limited to a single discipline. Samira Evangelista, a 9-year-old dancer from Schärding, also secured a first-place finish in the “National Folklore” category with her Polka performance. This victory marks Evangelista’s second gold medal, further cementing her reputation for grace and technical ability within her age group.
The scale of the competition underscores the achievement of these young athletes. During the ADC 2025, which took place from April 11 to 13, a total of 670 participants competed in Bad Ischl, with six dancers from the Ballettschule Krejsa representing the institution.
Beyond the gold medals, the school demonstrated depth in the “Klassik/Ballett mit Spitzenschuhen” (Classical Ballet with Pointe Shoes) category. Emilia Stiegler, 13, earned a fourth-place finish with her modern piece titled “Fighter,” performed to crossover music by David Garrett. Stiegler’s performance highlighted the intersection of traditional pointe technique and contemporary musical influence.
Collaborative efforts also yielded positive results. Acelya Cetinkaya and Emilia Stiegler teamed up for a partner dance titled “Hello,” featuring music from Dirty Dancing. Competing in the “Musical” category, the duo earned a fourth-place tie with competitors from Graz, receiving praise from both the audience and their fellow dancers for their performance.
A Legacy of Artistic Growth
The recent victories are part of a broader trajectory of growth for the school’s students. The importance of early exposure to competition is evident when looking at the history of the dancers. For instance, Samira Evangelista first achieved a first-place finish at the Austrian Dance Cup in 2023 at the age of six, performing “Oriental Flower” in the “National- und Folklore Dance/ Mini Solo” category, according to competition records from 2023.
Similarly, Acelya Cetinkaya’s journey reflects the developmental nature of the sport. In 2023, at age 11, she competed in the “Jazz- and Show Dance/ Children Solo” category with a piece titled “Strong And Free.” While she did not reach the podium at that time, the experience provided a foundation for her subsequent gold-medal successes in later years.
Key Performance Highlights
| Dancer | Category | Result | Performance Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acelya Cetinkaya | National & Folklore | 1st Place | Gypsy Dance (Classical base) |
| Samira Evangelista | National Folklore | 1st Place | Polka |
| Emilia Stiegler | Classical/Pointe | 4th Place | “Fighter” (David Garrett) |
| Cetinkaya & Stiegler | Musical | 4th Place | “Hello” (Dirty Dancing) |
The Krejsa Method: Building Confidence and Technique
The success of the students is attributed to the comprehensive training provided by Elisabeth Krejsa. The school offers a wide array of styles to ensure a well-rounded dance education, including:
- Classical Dance
- Jazz Dance
- Step Dance
- Musical Dance
- Contemporary
- Character Dance
- Historical Dance
For Elisabeth Krejsa, the value of these competitions extends beyond the medals. She emphasizes that performing before a professional jury and a large audience is essential for building a child’s pride and self-confidence. This philosophy of rigorous training combined with public validation has produced high-level talent over the years.
The school’s ability to cultivate professional-grade talent is evidenced by former students such as Gernot Kranner. Now internationally recognized, Kranner has appeared in the Tanz der Vampire as Professor Abronsius and maintains a steady presence in various roles at the Volksoper Wien.
As the dancers of the Ballettschule Krejsa return to their studios in Suben and Neukirchen/Inn, the focus shifts back to the foundational work required to maintain these standards. The transition from early childhood “Mini Solo” categories to the technical demands of pointe work and character dance illustrates the long-term commitment required in the performing arts.
The next phase of training for these athletes will involve preparing for the upcoming dance season, with the school continuing to offer open entry and trial lessons for new students seeking to enter the world of competitive dance.
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