Royal Academy of Dance Announces WA Festival of Dance 2026 Winners

The Royal Academy of Dance Australia is delighted to announce the prize recipients of the WA Festival of Dance 2026, a highlight of the Western Australian dance calendar, held from 28 May to 1 June at John Curtin College of the Arts in Fremantle.

Over five inspiring days, more than 200 dancers from across Western Australia took to the stage, performing in classical ballet, contemporary, demi-character, national, scholarship, and ensemble categories. The Festival once again showcased the remarkable depth of emerging dance talent within the WA community while bringing together families, teachers, studios, and supporters in celebration of the performing arts.

The Festival culminated in a spectacular Gala Evening on Sunday 31 May, featuring outstanding performances from prize recipients alongside guest artists from West Australian Ballet, highlighting the exciting professional performance pathways available to young dancers in Western Australia.

RAD Australia National Director Shelley Yacopetti reflected on the significance of the event: “The Festival of Dance is a truly special celebration of dance in Western Australia, bringing teachers, dancers, their families and supporters and professionals in the industry together. Congratulations to the dancers and teachers on another wonderful Festival and Gala performance and sincere thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, whose ongoing support plays a vital role in the success of this event.”

The 2026 Festival also offered award recipients exclusive scholarship opportunities from leading institutions including the Australian Ballet School, Queensland Ballet Academy, West Australian Ballet, and Sydney Dance Company, helping further the development of promising young dancers and connecting them with the broader Australian dance industry.

Adjudication across the Festival was led by an esteemed panel of industry professionals including Melissa McCabe, Hana Kato, Christian Tàtchev, and Carina Roberts, each bringing extensive professional experience and insight to the Festival.

Christian Tàtchev reflected on the exceptional standard presented throughout the Festival: “It was a pleasure to be part of the Festival of Dance in Perth this year, and to have had the opportunity to see the beautiful work of the young and talented dancers from WA. Congratulations to all participants and their teachers, who have worked tirelessly to achieve the high standard presented, as well as to everyone who supports these passionate artists on their journey towards the profession. A special thanks to Philippa Lynas and her team for the skilfully organised event, for their commitment to the development of young talent, and of course, for looking after us, the members of the jury, so well during our time at the Festival.”

Hana Kato also shared her experience adjudicating the contemporary sections: “It has been such an honour to adjudicate the contemporary sections at the 2026 Festival of Dance. To be back in Western Australia and witness the talent here has been inspiring for me as a dancer and a choreographer.”

The winners were announced as follows: Major scholarship recipients included Avianna Neilson from Perth School of Ballet, who received the Evelyn Hodgkinson Scholarship for ages 10-12; Shelby McAuliffe from Perth Classical & Contemporary Coaching, who took home the Gay Cruickshank Scholarship for ages 13-14; Miru Jung from The Graduate College of Dance, who was awarded the Joan Stacy Scholarship for ages 15-16; and Emelie Wong, also from The Graduate College of Dance, who received the Linley Wilson Scholarship for ages 17 and over.

In the major prize category, Avianna Neilson won the Junior Female Dancer Award, Louis Lenanton from Perth Classical & Contemporary Coaching claimed the Junior Male Dancer Award, Emelie Wong secured the Senior Female Dancer Award, Reuben Pitchforth from The Graduate College of Dance won the Senior Male Dancer Award, and Julia Iso from The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts received the Linley Wilson Contemporary Prize.

The coveted David McAllister Cup was awarded to Perth Classical & Contemporary Coaching.

Among the other notable awards, Avianna Neilson was named Most Promising Dancer for ages 10-12, Emelie Wong received the Most Promising Dancer Award for ages 16 and over, Miru Jung from The Graduate College of Dance won the Grishko Most Promising Dancer Award, and Makai Lewis-Rees from Perth Classical & Contemporary Coaching took home the Claire Marshall Trophy for National Dance.

For a full list of winners across all categories, please download the 2026 Festival Prize Recipients list here.

The Royal Academy of Dance Australia looks forward to continuing this proud tradition in 2027, celebrating excellence in dance and providing meaningful performance and development opportunities for young dancers across Western Australia.

WA Dance Festival prize recipients with Shelley Yacopetti and Christian Tàtchev. Image courtesy RAD Australia