Congratulations to Emilia Bignami, winner of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australian Advanced 1 Bursary Final, held in Canberra, Sunday 11 November.
Trained by Rosanna Castellana at Promemade Dance Studio (Queensland), Emilia competed against finalists from around Australia, with semi-finals held in SA, WA, ACT, NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Congratulations, too, the other five finalists,
- Jordan Micallef, trained by Jane Kesby at The McDonald College (NSW)
- Caitlin Melhuish, trained by Kim Harvey at Kim Harvey School of Dance (ACT)
- Zara Bailey, trained by Janne Blanch at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (Vic)
- Lili-Mae Newman, trained by Katharine Mantle at Katharine Mantle Performing Arts Academy (WA)
- Meg Rafinian, trained by Michelle Hofmann at Turning Point Dance (SA)
Recognising the importance of nurturing and providing opportunities for creativity in young dancers, the RAD’s Australian Advanced 1 Bursary provides an award (up to the value of $7,000) for further training in the RAD method. Echoing the 'Dancers' Own element of the Genée International Ballet Competition, the RAD’s flagship competition, the bursary allows candidates to perform their own choreography, or that of a teacher or peer. Candidates also perform a classical variation giving the opportunity to show technique and artistry as well as performance and creativity.
Pictured top: Emilia Bignami
Check out the results of the RAD Joan Burnett Scholarship in Tasmania here.