Tasmanian Finalist Announced for 2025 Australian Advanced 1 Bursary
Ruby Symons to represent Tasmania at the national finals in Sydney
The Royal Academy of Dance is pleased to announce Ruby Symons as the Tasmanian finalist for the 2025 Australian Advanced 1 Bursary. Ruby, who trains under Caroline Small, was selected following the semi-final held on Sunday 4 May at the Horton Auditorium, Scotch Oakburn College in Launceston.
The event showcased the talent and dedication of Advanced 1 students from across the state. Participants were led through a class by Kristie Smee, accompanied by pianist Yvonne Carr, with adjudication provided by esteemed RAD examiner Susan Hill-Henning.
Ruby will now go on to represent Tasmania at the national finals in Sydney on Sunday 15 June 2025.
Semi-finals for the Australian Advanced 1 Bursary will continue throughout May, with the following events still to take place:
• New South Wales – Saturday 17 May
• Queensland – Saturday 17 May
• Australian Capital Territory – Sunday 18 May
• Victoria – Sunday 18 May
• South Australia – Sunday 18 May
• Western Australia – Sunday 18 May
The Australian Advanced 1 Bursary is held annually and recognises excellence in classical ballet performance at the Advanced 1 level. The $5,000 award supports the recipient’s continued classical ballet training in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and associated pre-professional training, to be undertaken in consultation with the Royal Academy of Dance.
The semi-final also featured guest performances by recent winners of the Susan Sargison Awards and the Joan Burnett Awards, showcasing emerging talent from across Tasmania:
• Zara Hall (Susan Sargison Grade 1 Winner 2024)
• Lana Mitchell (Susan Sargison Grade 2 Winner 2024)
• Evelyn Churchill (Susan Sargison Grade 4 Winner 2024)
• Zoe Weeding (Susan Sargison Grade 5 Winner 2024)
• Ruby Miedecke (Joan Burnett Intermediate Foundation Winner 2024)
• Carla Casey (Joan Burnett Intermediate Winner 2024)
These performances provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of younger dancers and highlighted the depth of classical ballet talent in Tasmania.
Congratulations to Ruby and all participants for their hard work and dedication.
