19 August 2019 11:30

2019 Members’ Photo Competition winners announced

This year was tough for our judges as we received over 170 entries for the Photo Competition.

The theme this year was It’s all about the journey…. Judges Luke Rittner (CEO), Melanie Murphy (Director of Marketing & Communications) and guest judge, Photographer Jevan Chowdry, selected Alyssa Churchill from Canada as both the overall winner and winner of our youth category (for members under 18). Congratulations Alyssa! Alyssa entered the below image explaining what it meant to her and her dance journey:

'My dance journey has begun. After several years of ballet training in my hometown of Waterloo, Canada, I ventured off to my first summer intensive at the Joffrey Academy in Chicago during August 2018. This photo was taken at Millennium Park in front of the world famous Cloud Gate. The reflections of the city captured in this photo remind me of my time in Chicago and the many things I learned. It reflects my passion for dance as I continue to pursue further training towards a professional career in dance.'

A Special Commendation was awarded to Beatrix Marx from South Africa for the above image. Beatrix submitted this entry saying:

'During the School Holidays we had a ballet course for all ages in Limpopo called Ballet in the Bush. That evening professional dancers from South Africa, Cuba, USA and China gave the audience a magnificent ballet performance. This is my grandchild aged 4 taking part and so excited standing in the winter grass and cold morning surrounding her, looking forward to Ballet in the Bush. When I first started out nearly 30 years ago I never would have dreamed that I would still be teaching and enjoying it, and having my grandchild loving it so much! What a journey!'

Almost 3,000 people voted in the Public Choice Awards and the winner of this category, Corli Nortje from Hong Kong, took a strong lead with over 750 votes. Corli’s winning entry is pictured above, she explains

'Teaching with the RAD has brought me to Hong Kong, where I get to work with these two talented people.'

The winners were awarded prizes for their efforts including an Amazon Fire Tablet, Polaroid camera, Bluetooth speaker, and Fitbit. Well done to all that entered and congratulations to our winners. Visit the Members’ Area for more competitions and prizes.