Max Mcilvenny wins Robin Windsor Dance Award 2025

Today, Royal Academy of Dance and mental health charity SANE announce that Max McIlvenny has received the inaugural Robin Windsor Dance Award.

The award, made in partnership between RAD and SANE, recognises individuals who have utilised dance to overcome adversity and improve mental wellbeing. The Robin Windsor Dance Award was created to honour the late dancer and SANE ambassador Robin Windsor, celebrating his commitment to both dance and mental health advocacy. 

Max is a dancer from Crowborough, East Sussex who trained at The BRIT School. He is currently enrolled at Wilkes Academy where he is in his graduate year.

His selection was based on his compelling demonstration of how dance has positively impacted his mental health journey, specifically his body dysmorphia. The judging panel, comprising RAD Artistic Director, Alexander Campbell, SANE Chief Executive Marjorie Wallace CBE, and other notable figures, was impressed by his dedication and resilience.

As the award recipient, Max received a £500 monetary prize, career coaching, and a dance class with Alexander Campbell at RAD headquarters in London, where he was presented with the award.

Max said: “Dance truly has been the light in the darkest times. This beautiful artform allows my thoughts to pause, I get to live in the dance indulging in each moment to the fullest. It has made me realise that our bodies are not just flesh and bone, they are vessels that we need to cherish, love and take care of, it’s sensational what they can do. After I graduate, I visualise myself performing internationally, being able to showcase my abilities to audiences worldwide. Whether it is a West End contract, tour, cruise, contemporary company, as long as I’m putting smiles on audience members faces that’s what fills me with joy.”