28 June 2021 12:02

Winners of the 2021 Vocational Graded RAD Dance Challenge announced

This multi-level national competition gives candidates an opportunity to be part of a creative process. Candidates were judged on a solo choreographed by themselves, their teacher or peer.

The 2021 Vocational Graded RAD Dance Challenge was held virtually, for the first time, with entrants required to submit a filmed performance of their solo. On Sunday 20 June, candidates were invited to take part in two Masterclasses on Zoom, with esteemed guest teachers, Céline Gittens, Principal of Birmingham Royal Ballet, and former Royal Ballet Soloist and Trinity Laban Tutor, Hubert Essakow.

Following their participation in the Masterclasses, two prize winners for the Antoinette Sibley Scholarship were announced by this years’ judge, the RAD’s Artistic Director Gerard Charles. The Choreographic Award winner was also announced.

Level 1 (RAD Intermediate Foundation or Intermediate)

Scott Milne, age 14
Teacher: Karen Berry

Level 2 (RAD Advanced Foundation or Advanced 1)

Morven Aitkenhead, aged 13
Teacher: Karen Berry

Choreographic Award

Choreographer: Lorna Scott
Solo performed by Ava-Lily Reid, age 11

Prizes

The Antoinette Sibley Scholarship winners for each level will receive £750, made possible by funds provided by the Dame Antoinette Sibley Scholarship Fund, established in 2012 to mark the retirement of the RAD’s third president, Dame Antoinette Sibley. The recipient of the Choreographic Award will receive £250 funded by the Lynn Wallis Bursary Fund. This fund was established in honor of the RAD’s former Artistic Director, Lynn Wallis OBE.