The McDonald College in North Strathfield was the vibrant setting for the AICD NSW Ballet Awards on Monday, April 14th. Esteemed adjudicator Damien Welch witnessed the dedication and artistry of talented young ballet dancers from across NSW.
This year's event was particularly special with the debut of the Marilyn Jones Artistry Award, generously sponsored by Bloch. This prestigious accolade celebrated a dancer who demonstrated not only technical skill but also a profound connection to the music and their character – a fitting tribute to the iconic Australian ballerina.
The awards encompassed three age divisions, with the 11-12 year section noted for its particularly high standard. Monica Whittingham led the open class, accompanied by the skilled pianist Alla Orlievski.
Damien Welch praised the candidates for their hard work, offering encouragement and valuable feedback. He also commended the significant contribution of their dedicated teachers and supportive families.
The winners of each section were:
11-12 Years
- 1st Place: Suzanne Liu (Sonja Dene Dance Studio)
- 2nd Place: Imogen Stephens (The McDonald College)
- 3rd Place: Georgia Feledy (Dance North Academy)
- Highly Commended: Audrey Heading (The Studio International), Abigail Kakala (The McDonald College), Sia Rupil (Tanya Pearson Academy)
13-14 Years
- 1st Place: Holly Robinson (Dance North Academy)
- 2nd Place: Anneke Soulis (The McDonald College)
- 3rd Place: Lewis Nicholson (Nova City Ballet)
- Highly Commended: Anna Stephensen (Dance North Academy), Ava Meng (Raising the Barre Academy), Milania Franklin (The Dance Spot)
15-18 Years (Houston Ballet Academy Scholarship)
- 1st Place: Isla Clark (Dance North Academy)
- 2nd Place & Marilyn Jones Artistry Award: Madeleine Konstantakos (Dance North Academy)
- 3rd Place: Ryan Keo (National College of Dance)
- Highly Commended: Sofia Hamilton (Dance North Academy), Sophie Reid (Coaching with Claire Campbell-Mahon), Isla Keenan (National College of Dance)
The AICD NSW Ballet Awards continue to offer an excellent opportunity to young dancers to showcase their talent, receive valuable feedback, and celebrate their passion for ballet. The introduction of the Marilyn Jones Artistry Award adds another layer of prestige to the event, encouraging dancers to embrace the artistic elements of this beautiful art form.