For the first time in three years, the Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship Finals were back onstage at the Sydney Opera House!
Yesterday (Sunday August 28) saw eight finalists compete in the event, with the main prize winners announced as:
1st Prize – Emily Sprout (McDOWALL, QLD) Prima Youth Classical Academy
2nd Prize – Noah Cosgriff (HIGHETT, VIC) Jane Moore Ballet Academy
In addition,
The Tanya Pearson Artistry Award was given to Tahlia Kirke (MUDGEREEBA, QLD) Atelier Australia
The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet Performance Award went to Noah Cosgriff (HIGHETT, VIC) Jane Moore Ballet Academy
Competition judge and Artistic Director of West Australian Ballet Aurelien Scannella awarded two finalists the opportunity to attend classes and observe rehearsals with the company for one week in 2023. The winners were:
Emily Sprout and LilySophia Dashwood (HAMPTON, VIC) Jane Moore Ballet Academy.
Competition judge and Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet Li Cunxin awarded two finalists the opportunity to attend classes and observe rehearsals with the company and/or academy for one week in 2023. The winners were:
LilySophia Dashwood and Ben Moss (ST IVES, NSW) Alegria School of Dance.
Competition judge and Artistic Director of the Australian Ballet School Lisa Pavane awarded two finalists the opportunity to attend classes and observe rehearsals with the company and/or School for one week in 2022 or 2023. The winners were:
Emily Sprout and Amelia Soh (NEUTRAL BAY, NSW) Mosman Dance Academy & Sydney Ballet School
Congratulations also to the remaining two finalists – Joseph Dufty (GILLIESTON HEIGHTS, NSW) National College of Dance and Chelsea Potter (FLETCHER, NSW) Newcastle Dance Academy.
The winners of the Jazz Dance Group Finals were
1st Ablaze Dance Academy (ADAMSTOWN, NSW)
2nd National College of Dance (LAMBTON, NSW)
3rd TJS Dance Academy (WOLLONGONG, NSW)
Congratulations also to the remaining three finalists – Dance North Academy (NARRAWEENA, NSW), Plie, Groove ‘N’ Shuffle (CROMER, NSW) and CDC Studios (DULWICH HILL, NSW).
The Capezio Award for Most Promising Young Dancer went to Pelagia Karakontis (The Dance Spot, NSW) and audiences were treated to a special performance by the National Youth Ballet Company.
See the full write-up of the event in our next issue!
- GERALDINE HIGGINSON
For photos of all the ballet finalists, see our article here.