29 July 2024 15:09

RAD Australia proudly hosted the 2024 South Australia RAD Awards on Sunday, 28th July 2024 at the Adelaide College of the Arts. This prestigious event brought together 155 dancers from across the region, captivating an audience of 300 with their exceptional performances.  Julie Fleming and Daniel Jaber played an integral role in the Awards as our Adjudicators, with the talented Lilyana Lloyd rounding out the Guest Faculty as Class Teacher.

The South Australia RAD Awards, held annually, continue to be a significant platform for young dancers to showcase their skills and dedication. This year's event was marked by increased participation, reflecting the continued enthusiasm for dance within the Adelaide community.

Philippa Lynas, the Regional Manager, expressed her admiration for the participants, stating,

“I was truly impressed by the talent and professionalism showcased on stage at the 2024 South Australian RAD Awards. Dancers from across South Australia displayed incredible passion, determination, and a deep love for dance, representing all age groups from Grade 2 to Solo Seal. We were thrilled to see a record number of participants this year and eagerly look forward to expanding the event in 2025. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated volunteers who made this day a success.”

Adjudicator Daniel Jaber shared his experience, saying,

“Adjudicating the SA RAD awards was an incredible privilege and honour. The content of the material demonstrated was engaging and appropriate. A massive congratulations to the RAD for developing such diverse and inclusive content and bravo to all the students and teachers who participated. The standard of talent was inspirational.”

The 2024 awards were not only an opportunity for students to perform on stage but also a celebration of dedication and support from both students and RAD dance schools. The event honoured outstanding dancers across various levels, recognising their commitment and achievements like so many before over the last 52 years.

The RAD extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants. Their commitment to dance is an inspiration to all. We look forward to continuing to support and nurture the next generation of dancers.

We'd like to extend our thanks to the members of the Regional Advisory Panel of South Australia, and we are also appreciative of the support from both local supporters and our national sponsors—Bloch Australia, Capezio, and Energetiks.

Photos below by Suzanne Opitz and Philippa Lynas

Award Name School
Badenoch Iversen Award for Grades 2-3
Winner Emelia Petronzio GWB Studios
Runner Up Evie Rose Sordillo GWB Studios
Gwen Mackey Award for Grades 4-5
Winner Emika Ichinohe Vivienne Winter School of Ballet
Runner Up Roux Walter-Engelsma Vivienne Winter School of Ballet
Jacqueline Tucker Award for Grades 6, 7 & 8
Winner Chloe But Terry Simpson Studios
Runner Up Ayrlie Cook Terry Simpson Studios
Sheila Laing Training Enhancement Award
Winner Scarlett Hatcher Turning Point Dance
Terry Simpson Encouragement Award
Winner Thomas Hobbs Terry Simpson Studios
Joyce Clother OAM Scholarship
Winner Sofia Lydyard GWB Studios
Floyd & B’Nay Award for Intermediate Foundation
Winner Roux Walter-Engelsma Vivienne Winter School of Ballet
Runner Up Sofia Lydyard GWB Studios
Sir Robert Helpmann Award for Intermediate and Advanced Foundation
Winner Bundjalung Coker Terry Simpson Studios
Runner Up Ayrlie Cook Terry Simpson Studios
Kathleen Short Memorial Cup for Advanced 1, 2 and Solo Seal
Winner Leila Morales Terry Simpson Studios
Runner Up Brady Leong GWB Studios
Eileen Hogarth Award
Winner Leila Morales Terry Simpson Studios
Lorraine Irving OAM Scholarship
Winner Bundjalung Coker Terry Simpson Studios
Susan Taylor Encouragement Award
Winner Alannah Hefford Turning Point Dance
2024 Bloch Encouragement Award
Winner Masato Rafinian Turning Point Dance
With thanks to our generous sponsors