Oscar Taggart awarded 2025 RAD Australian Advanced 1 Bursary
Oscar Taggart awarded 2025 RAD Australian Advanced 1 Bursary
National final held at Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in Sydney
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia is proud to announce Oscar Taggart as the recipient of the 2025 Australian Advanced 1 Bursary. Trained by Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie, Oscar represented New South Wales and was selected from a cohort of outstanding finalists from across the country.
The national final took place on Sunday 15 June at RAD Australia’s national headquarters in Sydney. The annual event, a highlight of the RAD calendar, continues to celebrate the dedication, artistry, and technical excellence of Australia’s next generation of classical ballet dancers.
The prestigious bursary, generously sponsored by Bloch Australia, awards $5,000 to support the recipient’s continued training in the RAD syllabus and their development toward a professional career in dance.
Finalists participated in a morning class delivered by esteemed RAD examiner Kerrie Smith accompanied by pianist Grant Kennedy, followed by solo performances assessed by adjudicators Tonia Looker and Lindsay Ellman-Brown. The panel praised the high standard of performance, noting each dancer’s commitment, musicality, and technical refinement.
The 2025 finalists were:
TAS: Ruby Symons, Caroline Small School of Dance
NSW: Oscar Taggart, Alegria Dance Studios
QLD: Amy Westcott, The Dance Centre Peregian Springs
SA: Holly Zbierski, Terry Simpson Studios
WA: Preston Shean, John Curtin College of the Arts
ACT: Emily McCoy, The Training Ground
VIC: Millie Wood, Victorian College of Arts
Lia Cox, RAD Head of Department – Examinations and Regions, reflected on the success of this year’s event:
“Australian Advanced 1 Bursary Final was a truly uplifting celebration of our young dancers’ dedication, resilience, and passion for their art. Each candidate performed with courage and grace, demonstrating not only exceptional technique but also a deep love for dance that shone through every movement. It was a privilege to witness such talent and promise, and a testament to the hard work and commitment of these remarkable students and their teachers. The future of ballet in Australia is certainly in very good hands.”
Now in its third decade, the Australian Advanced 1 Bursary remains a cornerstone of RAD Australia’s commitment to nurturing excellence in ballet. Past recipients have gone on to represent Australia at the Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition and secure places in major professional companies worldwide.
The Royal Academy of Dance extends its warmest congratulations to Oscar and thanks all participating teachers, families, adjudicators, and sponsors for their support in helping shape the future of dance in Australia.
Please note: The ACT and VIC finalists were originally selected but withdrew prior to the national final.
