30 May 2022 18:14

Congratulations to our 2022 Advanced 1 Bursary Winner

RAD bursaries, scholarships and competitions provide opportunities for young people to gain performance experience and to further their study and training. The Australian Advanced 1 Bursary provides the winner with up to $5,000 to support their ongoing training.

We are delighted to announce the winner of the 2022 Australian Advanced 1 Bursary is LilySophia Dashwood trained by Jane Moore and Andie Dashwood at Jane Moore Academy of Ballet in Victoria.

This year's Bursary was offered online in recognition of the impact of the pandemic on opportunities for students, and also to enable as many students as possible to participate. Students from across Australia took part, submitting a film of themselves undertaking the Bursary class led by Nicky Gattorna as well as performing a classical variation from the selection provided.

RAD Artistic Director Gerard Charles and former Principal Artist Kirsty Martin assessed the entries from the 6 finalists following an initial round of adjudication by Amber Scott, Catherine Goss, Lana Jones, and Olivia Bell who praised the training, technique, and performance qualities of the candidates, and commended the hard work of both students and teachers in preparation.

Gerard Charles said:

“It was assuring to see all the good work that is being done in Australia, so I wish to send my congratulations to all the dancers and teachers. I am sorry I could not be there to see you in person. For a competition at this level what differentiates one dancer from another is what the individual brings to their work. For both classwork and variations the dancer has to go beyond showing accuracy of the choreography in order to demonstrate their involvement with their dancing. To know them and their artistry beyond what they have been coached to do. It is important to see their relationship to phrasing the music, the dynamic intent behind their movements, and how all the many elements are presented as a connected whole”

Read more about the Australian Advanced 1 Bursary format here.

See who were the 2022 Advanced 1 Bursary finalists

With special thanks to our Australian Advanced 1 Bursary Sponsor