Royal Academy of Dance Announces WA Festival of Dance 2026 Winners

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia is delighted to announce the prize recipients of the WA Festival of Dance 2026, a highlight of the Western Australian dance calendar, held from 28 May to 1 June at John Curtin College of the Arts in Fremantle.

Over five inspiring days, more than 200 dancers from across Western Australia took to the stage across classical ballet, contemporary, demi-character, national, scholarship, and ensemble categories. The Festival once again showcased the exceptional depth of emerging dance talent within the WA community, while bringing together families, teachers, studios, and supporters in celebration of the performing arts.

The Festival culminated in a spectacular Gala Evening on Sunday 31 May, featuring outstanding performances from prize recipients alongside guest artists from West Australian Ballet, highlighting the professional performance pathways available to young dancers in Western Australia.

RAD Australia National Director Shelley Yacopetti reflected on the significance of the event:

“The Festival of Dance Gala is a truly special celebration of dance in Western Australia, bringing teachers, dancers, their families and supporters and professionals in the industry together. Congratulations to the dancers and teachers on another wonderful Festival and Gala performance and sincere thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, whose ongoing support plays a vital role in the success of this event.”

The 2026 Festival also provided award recipients with exclusive scholarship opportunities from leading institutions including the Australian Ballet School, Queensland Ballet Academy, West Australian Ballet, and Sydney Dance Company, supporting the continued development of promising young dancers and strengthening their connection to the broader Australian dance industry.

Adjudication across the Festival was led by an esteemed panel of industry professionals including Melissa McCabe, Hana Kato, Christian Tàtchev, and Carina Roberts, who each brought extensive professional experience and insight to the event.

Christian Tàtchev noted the exceptional standard throughout the Festival:

“It was a pleasure to be part of the Festival of Dance in Perth this year, and to have had the opportunity to see the beautiful work of the young and talented dancers from WA. Congratulations to all participants and their teachers, who have worked tirelessly to achieve the high standard presented, as well as to everyone who supports these passionate artists on their journey towards the profession. A special thanks to Philippa Lynas and her team for the skilfully organised event, for their commitment to the development of young talent, and of course, for looking after us so well during our time at the Festival.”

Hana Kato also shared her experience adjudicating the contemporary sections:

“It has been such an honour to adjudicate the contemporary sections at the 2026 Festival of Dance. To be back in Western Australia and witness the talent here has been inspiring for me as a dancer and a choreographer.”

Prize Recipients

Major Scholarship Recipients

• Evelyn Hodgkinson Scholarship (10–12 years): Avianna Neilson (Perth School of Ballet)
• Gay Cruickshank Scholarship (13–14 years): Shelby McAuliffe (Perth Classical & Contemporary Coaching)
• Joan Stacy Scholarship (15–16 years): Miru Jung (The Graduate College of Dance)
• Linley Wilson Scholarship (17+ years): Emelie Wong (The Graduate College of Dance)

Major Prize Recipients

• Junior Female Dancer Award: Avianna Neilson (Perth School of Ballet)
• Junior Male Dancer Award: Louis Lenanton (Perth Classical & Contemporary Coaching)
• Senior Female Dancer Award: Emelie Wong (The Graduate College of Dance)
• Senior Male Dancer Award: Reuben Pitchforth (The Graduate College of Dance)
• Linley Wilson Contemporary Prize: Julia Iso (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts)
• David McAllister Cup: Perth Classical & Contemporary Coaching

Other Notable Awards

• Most Promising Dancer (10–12 years): Avianna Neilson (Perth School of Ballet)
• Most Promising Dancer (16+ years): Emelie Wong (The Graduate College of Dance)
• Grishko Most Promising Dancer Award: Miru Jung (The Graduate College of Dance)
• Claire Marshall Trophy for National Dance: Makai Lewis-Rees (Perth Classical & Contemporary Coaching)

A full list of winners across all categories is available to download here.

Acknowledgements

The success of the WA Festival of Dance 2026 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, adjudicators, teachers, and wider dance community.

We extend our sincere thanks to our national sponsors Bloch, Energetiks, and Capezio, along with our valued event sponsors:

• Diamond Level: Perth Dance Physio and Grishko Australia
• Sapphire Level: Bodile, Instep Dance Boutique, Iluka Physio and Voss Moves
• Ruby Level: Costume & Ballet Centre, The Stage Shop and Studio Scene

Special thanks are extended to Alinta McRae, Chair of the Western Australia Regional Advisory Panel, for her leadership and advocacy for dance in WA, as well as Regional Manager Philippa Lynas, Regional Coordinator Erin Bond, and all WA Panel members for their dedication behind the scenes. Appreciation is also extended to Dance Pro Photography for capturing the Festival’s highlights.

The Royal Academy of Dance Australia looks forward to continuing this proud tradition in 2027, celebrating excellence in dance and providing meaningful performance and development opportunities for young dancers across Western Australia.