Finalists Announced for the 2025 RAD Australian Advanced 1 Bursary

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2025 Australian Advanced 1 Bursary Semi-Finals, held across the country throughout May. Taking place in TAS, NSW, QLD, ACT, VIC, SA, and WA, the semi-finals brought together some of the nation’s most promising young ballet dancers for a weekend of artistry, passion, and technical excellence.

This prestigious award recognises and supports emerging talent, offering a $5,000 bursary to assist with further classical ballet training in the RAD syllabus and associated pre-professional opportunities.

Each semi-final included an open class followed by the performance of a classical variation. RAD is proud to continue their strong connections with top industry professionals and dance companies across Australia and are sincerely grateful for the support of the following adjudicators and class teachers.

On Sunday, 4 May, in Tasmania, Susan Hill-Henning served as adjudicator with Kristie Smee as class teacher. In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, as well as Queensland, events on Saturday, 17 May, featured Natasha Kusen as adjudicator and Kerrie Smith as class teacher for NSW & ACT, and Gaylene Cummerfield Lawrence as adjudicator with Elissa Mariet as class teacher for Queensland. On Sunday, 18 May, Victoria’s event was led by adjudicator Olivia Bell and class teacher Kristie Smee, while South Australia had Edward Stratton Smith as adjudicator and Chylie Cooper as class teacher. Also on Sunday, 18 May, Western Australia’s event featured adjudicator Leanne Stojmenov and class teacher Melissa McCabe.

With the Tasmanian semi-final held earlier in the month, the TAS finalist was previously announced following the event on 4 May. The remaining six finalists were selected over the weekend of 17–18 May.

Following a strong display of dedication and talent, RAD is proud to announce the 2025 RAD Advanced 1 Bursary Finalists:

TAS Finalist: Ruby Symons, trained by Caroline Small

NSW Finalist: Oscar Taggart, trained by Hilary Kaplan

QLD Finalist: Amy Westcott, trained by Deborah Preece-Brocksom

ACT Finalist: Emily McCoy, trained by Anne Reardon

VIC Finalist: Millie Wood, trained by Julie Fleming

SA Finalist: Holly Zbierski, trained by Terry Simpson

WA Finalist: Preston Shean, trained by Diedre Atkinson

These seven outstanding dancers will travel to Sydney for the national final on Sunday 15 June 2025, where one will be awarded the $5,000 Australian Advanced 1 Bursary, proudly supported by exclusive event sponsor, Bloch.

Visit https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-au/ to learn more.

ACT Finalist – Emily McCoy, Image credit RAD Australia