Acknowledging Achievement at the 2025 Audrey Nicholls Awards Finals
The Royal Academy of Dance proudly celebrated the outstanding talent of young Victorian dancers at the 44th annual Audrey Nicholls Awards Finals, held on Saturday 6 September 2025 at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS).
The event followed preliminary heats and semi-finals on 31 August, where dancers from Grades 1 to 8 took part in set syllabus classes taught by Julie Fleming and Rachael McGowan. From these classes, finalists were chosen to return for the Finals, where they performed both their Classical and Character syllabus solos. Adjudicators then selected the winners, runners-up, and recipients of the Artistry and Encouragement Awards
This year’s adjudicators were Audrey Nicholls OAM—renowned ballerina, RAD Life Member and Patron of the RAD Victoria & Tasmania Panel—and Mason Lovegrove, Soloist with The Australian Ballet.
Mason reflected on their experience adjudicating:
“It was an honour to contribute, and such a rewarding day to witness the artistry and dedication of these young dancers.”
RAD National Director, Shelley Yacopetti, was in attendance and praised both students and teachers:
“Congratulations to all the dancers who took part in the Audrey Nicholls Awards. From Grade 1 through to Grade 8, the dedication and artistry shown throughout the day was truly inspiring. Congratulations also to the teachers—your expert guidance and support for your students was clearly reflected in the success of the day.”
Results – 2025 Audrey Nicholls Awards
Grades 1–4
- Overall Winner: Pollyanna Sutcliffe – Expressions Ballet Academy
- Overall Runner-Up: William Ferguson – Geelong Ballet Centre
- Martin Rubinstein Award: Stanley Ding – Bev Palmer Performing Arts Academy
Grades 5–8
- Overall Winner: Stella Rankin – Expressions Ballet Academy
- Overall Runner-Up: Milla Calyk – Expressions Ballet Academy
- Martin Rubinstein Award: Ari Tobias – Jiayin MasterClass
A full list of individual Grade Winners, Runners-Up, and Award recipients can be viewed here
Honouring Audrey Nicholls OAM
Born in Townsville, Queensland, Audrey Nicholls is one of Australia’s most respected teachers and mentors. A Life Member and former RAD Graded Examiner for 33 years, she has guided generations of examiners and teachers, and in 2011 was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Dance. In 2013, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her services to the performing arts, particularly ballet.
As a dancer, Audrey was Principal with Ballet Rambert in the UK, Leading Soloist with the Borovansky Ballet, and Principal Guest Artist with Ballet Guild (Ballet Victoria). Her career highlights include title roles such as Giselle and Coppélia, and she created numerous roles including the Flame Lady in John Cranko’s Variations on a Theme. She also performed at a Royal Command Performance for the Queen Mother.
Alongside fellow dancer Eve King, Audrey co-directed a successful Melbourne ballet school for 40 years with Martin Rubinstein, while also appearing as resident ballerina with HSV7. More recently, she performed as a Guest Artist with The Australian Ballet in productions including Graeme Murphy’s Nutcracker – The Story of Clara, Erik Bruhn’s La Sylphide, and Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker.
The Audrey Nicholls Awards, now in their 44th year, continue to celebrate artistry, discipline, and dedication in young dancers while honouring the extraordinary legacy of Audrey Nicholls herself—an ambassador, mentor, and inspiration to the Australian dance community.
Now in its 44th year, the Audrey Nicholls Awards continue to celebrate artistry, discipline, and dedication in young dancers, while honouring the extraordinary legacy of Audrey Nicholls herself—an ambassador, mentor, and inspiration to the Australian dance community.
RAD Australia extends its gratitude to our National Sponsors, Bloch Australia, Energetiks, and Capezio, and event sponsors, volunteers, and the Regional Advisory Panel of Victoria & Tasmania for their continued support.
Images by Belinda Strodder
