Prize recipients of prestigious Joan and Monica Halliday Awards and Isobel Anderson Awards announced
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia is delighted to announce the prize recipients of the 2026 Joan & Monica Halliday Awards and Isobel Anderson Awards, held on 28–29 March at the Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre in Sydney.
Exclusively sponsored by Bloch Australia, these prestigious annual awards celebrate RAD students across New South Wales, from Grade 3 through to Advanced 1. Honouring the legacies of Joan and Monica Halliday and Isobel Anderson, the events showcase the exceptional standard of RAD teaching in the region and provide young dancers with a valuable platform to perform and grow.
The 2026 awards programme began earlier in March, with more than 600 students taking part in preliminary and semi-final classes led by RAD examiner Kerrie Smith at RAD Australia’s headquarters in Darlinghurst. From this group, 36 finalists were selected for the Joan & Monica Halliday Awards (Grades 3–5), and 43 finalists for the Isobel Anderson Awards (Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 1), culminating in an inspiring weekend of solo performances.
This year’s finals were adjudicated by esteemed industry professionals. The Joan & Monica Halliday Awards were judged by Claire Phipps-Male, former professional dancer and current faculty member at Queensland Ballet, while the Isobel Anderson Awards were adjudicated by Olivia Bell, former Principal Artist with The Australian Ballet.
The Joan & Monica Halliday Most Outstanding Dancer Award was presented to Grade 5 finalist Caleb Nissen of The Academy Australia, while the Isobel Anderson Award for Most Outstanding Dancer was awarded to Lewis Nicholson of Nova City Ballet, recognising their exceptional performances across the finals.
RAD Australia National Director Shelley Yacopetti reflected on the calibre of this year’s event:
“These awards continue to showcase the remarkable depth of talent within our NSW RAD community. It is incredibly inspiring to see dancers across all levels demonstrate such commitment and artistry through the RAD syllabus. We are especially grateful to Bloch for their ongoing support of this event. Occasions like these not only celebrate individual achievement but also acknowledge the dedication of the teachers and families who support each dancer’s journey.”
In addition to category winners, runners-up and encouragement awards were presented across all levels. Commissioned choreography awards were also awarded, with recipients receiving training scholarships to Sydney Dance Company to further develop their contemporary practice.
2026 Prize Winners
Joan & Monica Halliday Awards
Grade 3
Winner: Amelia Ripley – North Shore Dance Academy
Runner Up: Ivy Hall – Dance North Academy
Encouragement Award: Bond Podmore – Newcastle Dance Academy
Grade 4
Winner: Emily Williamson – National College of Dance
Runner Up: Skye Bensley – Dynamite Premiere Academy
Encouragement Award: Elliott Muscat – The McDonald College
Grade 5
Winner: Noah Huett – Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance
Runner Up: Ilse Engstrom-Fritzson – Dance North Academy
Encouragement Award: Beatrix Griffiths-Witt – Tanya Pearson Academy
Commissioned Choreography Award
Olivia Kim – The McDonald College
Most Outstanding Dancer
Caleb Nissen – The Academy Australia
Isobel Anderson Awards
Intermediate Foundation
Winner: Cleo Bell – Dance North Academy
Runner Up: Victoria Harper – JWDA
Encouragement Award: Lucy Miller – L’Académie
Intermediate
Winner: Wahta Handy – National College of Dance
Runner Up: Olivia Lowry – Tanya Pearson Academy
Encouragement Award: Yuna Choi – The McDonald College
Advanced Foundation
Winner: Milania Franklin – The Dance Spot
Runner Up: Irene Kim – Redlands Dance Academy
Encouragement Award: Oliver Austin – The McDonald College
Advanced 1
Winner: Maya Kingsmill – Tanya Pearson Academy
Runner Up: Anna Stephensen – Dance North Academy
Encouragement Award: Ivy Maughan – Ablaze Dance Academy
Commissioned Choreography Award
Ava Radojevic – Dance North Academy
Most Outstanding Dancer
Lewis Nicholson – Nova City Ballet
RAD Australia extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of these events — from the dedicated students and their teachers to the families and supporters who champion their journey. Special appreciation is also extended to the volunteers whose invaluable behind-the-scenes efforts help bring these events to life.
The Royal Academy of Dance Australia gratefully acknowledges Bloch Australia as exclusive event sponsor for their ongoing support, along with the NSW Regional Advisory Panel for their important contribution to the delivery of the awards.
As RAD Australia looks to the future, it remains committed to fostering excellence in dance education and creating meaningful performance opportunities for dancers at every stage of their journey.
Images: WinkiPop Media
