INSPIRE Award winners 2024
Photos: Evan Li
On Sunday, September 8th, the 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation’s biennial event, INSPIRE, celebrated the exceptional talent of 33 dancers from across the country. With over $21,000 in scholarships on offer, the event was a vibrant display of dedication and artistry in dance.
Distinguished judges, Ty King-Wall, Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and Mayu Tanigaito, Principal Dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, lent their expertise and discerning eye to identify the standout performers from an impressive group of candidates.
Following a series of captivating performances, 11 finalists were selected, each showcasing remarkable skill and passion. The top awards went to:
Sir Jon Trimmer Award: Amos Wards from Chilton Ballet Academy, honored with $4,000
INSPIRE Award: Tamison Soppet from Convergence Dance Studios, who received $8,000 and a beautiful necklace donated by Wellington Jewellers Tory and Ko
Elvira Macrae Award: Phoebe Ewington from Chilton Ballet Academy, awarded $6,000
Additionally, each of the remaining finalists was presented with the Gloria Macrae Finalists Award of $500 in recognition of their outstanding performances and commitment.
Finalists:
- Phoebe Ewington – Chilton Ballet Academy
- Hamish Giddens – Convergence Dance Studios
- Benji Groen – Mainly Dance Studios
- Tallulah Palmer-O’Brien – Mt Eden Ballet Academy
- Sabrina Lui – Mt Eden Ballet Academy
- Harriet Ensor – Convergence Dance Studios
- Wendy Tian – Mt Eden Ballet Academy
- Amos Wards – Chilton Ballet Academy
- April Langstraat – Mary Rodgers Dance Academy
- Tamison Soppet – Convergence Dance Studios
- Amelia Maguire – Chilton Ballet Academy
INSPIRE was not just a showcase of talent, but also a testament to the supportive and encouraging spirit of the dance community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and awardees for making this event truly memorable and inspiring.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their support:
- Guest Tutor: Amber Scott
- Judges: Ty King-Wall and Mayu Tanigaito
- 14+ Dance Scholarship Trustees: Sue Nicholls (Chair), Bronwyn Williams (RAD National Director), Bronwyn Bennett, John Linkhorn, Margot Minnet-Earwaker, Kerry Anne-Gilbert
- Sponsors and Supporters: The Royal Academy of Dance, Pub Charity, Whittakers, Dance Stop, Royal New Zealand Ballet, New Zealand School of Dance, Tory and Ko
- Teachers, Coaches, Parents, and Support Crews
Without the generous contributions of our donors, this event would not be possible. If you would like to support the foundation and help us continue to foster talent in the dance community, please email us at office@rad.org.nz.
