INSPIRE biennial event and awards

For all information regarding the INSPIRE event please download the following booklet

INSPIRE information 2026

Applicants are eligible to enter INSPIRE provided they:

• have received training in New Zealand for a minimum of one year prior to the closing date of the Scholarship and are resident in New Zealand;
• are current members of the Royal Academy of Dance on the date of registration and on the date of the event; if not currently a member you can register here
• are of non-professional status;
• have passed the Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 1 Examination with Distinction, and have not taken the Advanced 2 examination at the time of participating in the INSPIRE 14+ Dance Scholarship;
• and are under 17 years of age as at the date of the event.
• Entry fee is $300
• a headshot must be provided on registration – Please upload a passport sized high res. head and shoulders photo for the programme. The photo should be colour have a light, plain background (no landscapes/trees etc) and the candidate must be well groomed.

• The Judging Panel will assess the class, studies classical variation and Centenary variation. The decision of the Judging Panel is final
• The INSPIRE Award, Elvira Macrae Award and Sir Jon Trimmer Award, are awarded for further Classical Ballet training
• The Scholarship winner must commence further study within twelve (12) months of the date of the award; this time limit can only be extended at the Academy’s discretion, and any funds not used within five (5) years of the date of the award will be forfeited
• All entries must be made on the official entry form
• All entry forms and payment must be received by closing date
• Students may re-apply as many times as they wish, provided the entry requirements are met
• Students who do not follow the Entry Requirements and Rules may be disqualified
• The Academy reserves the right to alter the Scholarship Rules and Entry Requirements at any time without prior notice
• Candidate Selection
• The maximum number of candidates for INSPIRE will be determined by the Trustees of the 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation. If the number of applications exceeds the available places, the Trustees will select candidates based on their most recent examination results. Candidates will receive the outcome of their application within 1 week of the closing date. Unsuccessful candidates will have the opportunity to go on a waitlist should a candidate withdraw.

Applicants are eligible to apply for a refund for the following circumstances:

• A 50% refund will be considered for cancellations on medical grounds, and on receipt of a medical certificate received prior to the date of the INSPIRE event
• For applications for a refund in the case of a family emergency, please contact the National Director: info@rad.org.nz
• A 90% refund will be provided for those candidates who enter prior to receiving their Advanced 1 exam result and need to withdraw due to not achieving the required Advanced 1 exam result
• A 100% refund will be provided should a candidate not be selected due to the number of applications exceeding the available places.