12 September 2024 09:39

RAD Australia is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Audrey Nicholls Awards. The awards ceremony, held on Sunday, 8 September in Melbourne was a tremendous success, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of young dancers. Adjudicated by renowned dance experts Amy Harris, and Susan Hill Henning LRAD ARAD, the event was a true celebration of excellence in dance. We were grateful to have photographer Belinda Strodder in attendance throughout the day to capture the event.

We want to congratulate the winners on the day and all participants who showcased such confidence in their performance and strength in their technique. We are always so pleased to celebrate dance and recognise the talent in our communities with the prestigious awards recognising the outstanding achievements of dancers in various grades. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our local and national Sponsors, whose generous support allows us to host these events.

We are especially indebted to the patronage, and donations made by our namesake, Audrey Nicholls OAM FRAD.

The results are as follows:

Audrey Nicholls OVERALL WINNER GRADES 1-4

Annaliese Schultz, Academy of Dance Victoria 

Audrey Nicholls OVERALL WINNER GRADES 5-8

Swiss Strickland, Expressions Ballet Academy 

Audrey Nicholls OVERALL RUNNER UP GRADES 1-4  

Milla Calyk, Expressions Ballet Academy 

Audrey Nicholls OVERALL RUNNER UP GRADES 5-8

Alicia Nguyen, Jane Moore Academy of Ballet  

GRADE 1 RECIPIENTS

First Place: Olivia Quereshi, Dance Desires 

Runner-Up: Wennie Luo, Brian Nolan Academy of Dance Inc. RockStars 

Phyllis O’Donohue Artistry Award: Elina Bai, Brian Nolan Academy of Dance Inc. RockStars 

Encouragement Award: Olivia Tracey-Richards, Academy of Classical ballet 

GRADE 2 RECIPIENTS

First Place: Ava Wang Kai, Brian Nolan Academy of Dance Inc. RockStars 

Runner-Up: Anna Scott, Flashdance Performing Arts   

Phyllis O’Donohue Artistry Award: Melissa Liu, Brian Nolan Academy of Dance Inc. RockStars 

Encouragement Award: Skylah Onvlee, Flashdance Performing Arts 

GRADE 3 RECIPIENTS

First Place: Anneliese Schultz, Academy of Dance Victoria 

Runner-Up: Emily Hu, Brian Nolan Academy of Dance Inc. Rockstars 

Phyllis O’Donohue Artistry Award: Yura Ko, Point Cook Performing Arts  

Encouragement Award: Unathi Omaru, Academy of Classical Ballet  

GRADE 4 RECIPIENTS

First Place: Milla Calyk, Expressions Ballet Academy 

Runner-Up: Erin Wang, Brian Nolan Academy of dance Inc. Rockstars 

Phyllis O’Donohue Artistry Award: Giselle Azzopardi, Academy of Classical Ballet 

Encouragement Award: Henry Forbes, Expressions Ballet Academy 

GRADE 5 RECIPIENTS

First Place: Swiss Strickland, Expressions Ballet Academy  

Runner-Up: Poppy Hayes , Expressions Ballet Academy  

Phyllis O’Donohue Artistry Award: Evie Mason, Academy of Classical Ballet 

Encouragement Award: Isla Howsam, Dance Artistry Australia 

GRADE 6 RECIPIENTS

First Place: Alicia Nguyen, Jane Moore Academy Ballet 

Runner-Up: Lucy Hawkins, Victorian Ballet School Darebin

Phyllis O’Donohue Artistry Award: Alexia Campbell, FlashDance Performing Arts  

Encouragement Award: Stella Bateman, Jane Moore Academy Ballet 

GRADE 7 RECIPIENTS

First Place: Erin Bowers, Geelong Ballet Centre  

Runner-Up: Skyla Griffin, Geelong Ballet Centre  

Phyllis O’Donohue Artistry Award: Eva Shiell, Geelong Ballet Centre 

Encouragement Award: Harry Pennell, Parkwood Dance Academy 

GRADE 8 RECIPIENTS

First Place: Hannah Miyashita, Jane Moore Academy of Ballet 

Runner-Up: Miller Phillips, Geelong Ballet Centre 

Phyllis O’Donohue Artistry Award: Mavis-Rose Vandenberg , Michelle Slater Performing Arts Studio 

Encouragement Award: Ellie Steenbuck, Michelle Slater Performing Arts Studio 

MARTIN RUBINSTEIN AWARD WINNER GRADES 1-4 

Henry Forbes, Expressions Ballet Academy 

MARTIN RUBINSTEIN AWARD WINNER GRADES 5-8  

Harry Pennell, Parkwood Dance Academy