6 June 2023 16:05

Congratulations to the WA Festival of Dance 2023 Winners

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the distinguished winners of the WA Festival of Dance 2023. This illustrious event once again captivated the audience in Freemantle, drawing dance enthusiasts from all corners of the state.

An array of coveted scholarships was up for grabs as participants displayed their stellar dancing prowess over a five-day spectacle, culminating in a breath-taking Gala evening. The  esteemed adjudicators in attendance included Christian Luck, Daryl Brandwood, Leanne Stojmanov, Marc Cassidy, Melissa McCabe, and Sarah Hepburn. Melissa McCabe said of the Festival

“It was an absolute honour and pleasure to adjudicate at The RAD Festival Of Dance.

To see all the future stars of tomorrow perform their hearts out was such a joy to watch.”

The Gala showcase, which was adjudicated by Aurélien Scanella & Sandy Delasalle-Scanella, was further enlivened by stellar performances from guests artists West Australian Ballets’ Kiki Saito & Oscar Valdés , who mesmerized the audience with White Swan pa des deux from Swan Lake, along with mesmerizing presentations by the students from Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Advanced Diploma students, who performed an excerpt from Sillage, choreographed by Kim McCarthy. 

Congratulations to this year’s major scholarship winners including:

• Evelyn Hodgkinson Scholarship (10-12 years) recipient Miru Jung from The Graduate College of Dance
• Robyn Haig Scholarship (13-14 years) recipient Phoebe Sedgman from The Graduate College of Dance
• Joan Stacy Scholarship (15-16 years) recipient Rhett Davies from Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
• Linley Wilson Scholarship recipient Sonja Braunl from The Graduate College of Dance

This year’s ensemble performance award, The David McAllister Cup was awarded to Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching

Major prizes were also awarded to the following male and female identifying dancers:

• Junior Female Dancer Award Phoebe Sedgman The Graduate College of Dance
• Junior Male Dancer Award Haruku Hoshi Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
• Senior Female Dancer Award Kyla Payne Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
• Senior Male Dancer Award Rhett Davies Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching

For a full list of winners in all categories download the 2023 Festival Prize Recipients list here.

Our congratulations to all those who were recipients of awards, but also to each and every student who entered. Our congratulations extend to all participants, teachers, and families, whose continued support and dedication ensure the success of this event.

We thank the WA Regional Advisory Panel and all RAD staff who made this event such a wonderful experience for students.

Our sincere thanks to our National Sponsors

We are grateful for the support of our generous Festival Sponsors: