An enthusiastic audience of 1,255 filled the Sydney Opera House on Sunday 20 July for the 2025 Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala, an evening that celebrated excellence in ballet and marked a milestone for some of the country’s most talented young dancers.
Eighteen finalists performed in this year’s Gala, competing for the Junior and Senior Ballet Scholarships, alongside a program of guest performances from New York’s Ajkun Ballet Theatre and the debut of Ballet Collective Australia, which brought together 60 dancers from across the country in two new works.
Winners of the 2025 Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarships were:
Senior Ballet Scholarship
• 1st Place: Yve-Noelle Bollinger
• 2nd Place: Oscar Taggart
Junior Ballet Scholarship
• 1st Place: Lewis Nicholson
• 2nd Place: Jiaze Yu
Special Awards
• Capezio Most Promising Dancer: Alexandra Pupovac
• Christine Walsh’s Ballet Conservatorium Training Program Award: Sarah Reedman
• Terri Charlesworth OAM Artistry Award: Jessica Cooper
Yve-Noelle Bollinger, winner of the Senior Ballet Scholarship, reflected on the significance of the moment:
“Winning the Senior Classical Scholarship and performing at the Sydney Opera House will always be one of the biggest highlights of my dance journey. Standing on that stage, under those lights, felt like everything I’d worked for had led to that moment. More than anything, the experience reminded me why I love this art form — it challenges you, reveals you, and somehow makes you feel completely at home all at once. The Sydney Eisteddfod brings together so much talent, and I’m truly grateful to have been a part of it.”
Lewis Nicholson, recipient of the Junior Scholarship, also spoke of the impact:
“Being part of the Sydney Eisteddfod Junior Ballet Scholarship was an incredible experience. Performing at the Sydney Opera House alongside so many talented dancers is something I’ll never forget. I’m deeply honoured and grateful to have been awarded the Junior Scholarship. To be recognised by such esteemed adjudicators means so much to me, and this scholarship will genuinely support me as I continue working toward my dream of dancing professionally in Europe. It’s an opportunity that brings me one step closer to turning that dream into reality.”
Oscar Taggart, awarded second place in the Senior Ballet Scholarship, described the evening as a truly unforgettable experience. “The Sydney Eisteddfod gave me a chance to shine on the Opera House stage,”he said.“This is my second time performing there, and it was even better than the last. It was an amazing night of dancing and passion. All of my fellow competitors were great sports and great people too. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Thank you, Sydney Eisteddfod.”
The Junior Scholarship was adjudicated by Slava Tutukin, Jennifer Sommers (Houston Ballet Academy), and Dr Chiara Ajkun (Ajkun Ballet Theatre, New York). Reflecting on the high standard of the finalists, Tutukin said:
“The overall standard was very strong, and it was great to see so many emerging talents showing not only solid classical technique but also personality and individuality. At this age, it is rare to see both come through so clearly. All of them had a clear sense of purpose and presence, which made it very special.”
"Everyone develops at different times, you all are on your own individual journeys – stay true to your path, be patient, connect with your passion, remember why you dance and work hard."
A number of exceptional dancers were also awarded prestigious training opportunities with major companies and schools both in Australia and overseas:
Houston Ballet Scholarships
Benjamin Groen, Jiaze Yu, Angus Fraser, Poppy Hayes, Lewis Nicholson, Xirui Xu, Alexandra Pupovac, Yve-Noelle Bollinger, Femka Murphy Vormer
Australian Ballet Scholarships
Lewis Nicholson, Jiaze Yu, Angus Fraser, Oscar Taggart, Samuel Gillespie, Xirui Xu, Femka Murphy Vormer
Queensland Ballet Scholarships
Jiaze Yu, Samuel Gillespie, Sarah Reedman, Oscar Taggart, India-Rose Mace
Russian Masters Ballet Workshop Scholarships
Holly Robinson, India-Rose Mace
Ajkun Ballet Scholarships
Avalon Roberts, Lewis Nicholson, India-Rose Mace, Alexandra Pupovac
Sydney Eisteddfod extended its thanks to the many teachers, mentors and families who have supported each dancer’s journey, and to the donors, sponsors and audience members whose contributions make these life-changing opportunities possible.
Review to come.