Award Recipients Announced for the 2025 Betsy Sawers Awards

The Royal Academy of Dance was proud to present the 2025 Betsy Sawers Awards on Sunday 7 September at Gungahlin College Theatre, Canberra.

The event followed a full day of inspiring performances, with 157 students from the ACT and Riverina regions taking part. Dancers presented syllabus classes on stage, with selected finalists invited to return and perform their solos before a live audience. From these classes, adjudicator Natasha Kusen selected the winners, runners-up, and Encouragement Award recipients.

Reflecting on the day, Natasha shared:

“It was such a joy to watch the Canberra students bring their RAD foundations to life beyond the studio. Being on stage allowed each dancer to express their unique artistry and embrace the performance aspect of this beautiful art form. The Betsy Sawers Award is a truly special opportunity — it introduces young dancers to the magic of performing while honouring the strong technical foundation they’ve worked so hard to build.”

Class teachers on the day were Helen Linkenbagh and Stephanie Blumer, with pianist Grant Kennedy accompanying.

The RAD warmly acknowledges the legacy of Betsy Sawers (“Mrs S”), whose passion and determination shaped generations of Canberra dancers and teachers. Betsy’s contribution to dance education, from founding her own school in Melba to pioneering secondary school dance programs in Australia, continues to inspire the next generation of young performers.

2025 Betsy Sawers Award Results

Grade 2

• Winner: Miela Baker (Jayz Dance Academy)
• Runner-Up: Phoebe Donovan (Acclaim Dance and Cheer Co)

Grade 3

• Winner: Katherine Shears (GDance)
• Runner-Up: Arthur McHutchison (Kim Harvey School of Dance)

Grade 4

• Winner: Hilary Seow (MAKS Ballet Studio)
• Runner-Up: Alexis Moore (GDance)

Grade 5

• Winner: Matilda Nicholls (Allegro Ballet School)
• Runner-Up: Maya Giron (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)

Grade 6

• Winner: Alessandra Brown (Acclaim Dance and Cheer Co)
• Runner-Up: Lisa Hynson (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)

Grade 7

• Winner: Victoria Seymour (Kim Harvey School of Dance)
• Runner-Up: Claire Hinds-Salter (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)

Grade 8

• Winner: Lola Hamlyn-Harris (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)
• Runner-Up: Savannah Apoderado (Legs Performing Arts)

Bloch Encouragement Awards (Grades 2–8)

• Grades 2–5: Bailey McLoughlin (The Training Ground)
• Grades 6–8: Cayley Loh (OnBeat Dance Studios)

Intermediate Foundation

• Winner: Allegra Violi (GDance)
• Runner-Up: Lexie Kelly (MAKS Ballet Studios)
• Bloch Encouragement Award: Sophia Anderson (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)

Intermediate

• Winner: Riley Fakhouri (MAKS Ballet Studio)
• Runner-Up: Evelyn Cannings (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)
• Bloch Encouragement Award: Eluney Tapply Orozco (MAKS Ballet Studio)

Advanced Foundation

• Winner: Victoria Seymour (Kim Harvey School of Dance)
• Runner-Up: Grace Wigham (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)
• Bloch Encouragement Award: Naomi Knight (OnBeat Dance Studios)

Advanced 1

• Winner: Claire Hinds-Salter (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)
• Runner-Up: Amelia Turnbull (Kim Harvey School of Dance)
• Bloch Encouragement Award: Camilla Machado (Kim Harvey School of Dance)

Advanced 2

• Winner: Olivia Enders (Kim Harvey School of Dance)
• Runner-Up: Lola Hamlyn-Harris (Lisa Clark Dance Centre)
• Bloch Encouragement Award: Thomas Walker (Legs Performing Arts)

Betsy Sawers Outstanding Dancer 2025

• Gabriella Haebich (Ballet Canberra)

RAD Australia extends its gratitude to our National Sponsors, Bloch Australia, Energetiks, and Capezio, and event sponsors, volunteers, and the Australian Capital Territory and Riverina Regional Advisory Panel for their continued support.