Open to RAD students in Grades 1–8, the annual Awards give young dancers the opportunity to perform, learn alongside their peers and be recognised for their technique, musicality and performance.
The 2026 event held particular significance as the first Audrey Nicholls Awards since the passing of Audrey Nicholls OAM FRAD ARAD in June, continuing an event that has carried her name and commitment to young dancers for more than four decades.
Students took part in preliminary heats and semi-final classes across the weekend before selected finalists performed their variations. The adjudicating panel comprised RAD Examiner and tutor Crystal Wong LRAD ARAD; internationally recognised ballet educator and RAD Examiner Wendy Holt ARAD; and former Australian Ballet Principal Artist Lucinda Dunn OAM.
Holt praised the enthusiasm of the participating dancers and the support surrounding them.
“It was wonderful to see so many students participating, supported by their parents and teachers in the audience,” she said. “The entrants danced with enthusiasm, joy, and confidence, and were an absolute delight to watch.”
Grades 1–4
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Audrey Nicholls Award Most Potential: Pollyanna Sutcliffe – Expressions Ballet Academy
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Audrey Nicholls Runner Up: Poppy Dunn – Expressions Ballet Academy
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Martin Rubinstein Award: William Ferguson – Geelong Ballet Centre
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Sydney Dance Company Workshop: Xavier Reino – Flashdance Performing Arts
Grades 5–8
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Audrey Nicholls Award Most Potential: Stella Bateman – Jane Moore Academy of Ballet
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Audrey Nicholls Runner Up: Unathi Omaru – The Academy of Classical Ballet
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Martin Rubinstein Award: Alicia Nguyen – Jane Moore Academy of Ballet
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Sydney Dance Company Scholarship: Mavis Deng – Academy of Dance Victoria
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Academy of Queensland Ballet Scholarship: Mikael Grasby – Jane Moore Academy of Ballet
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Academy of Queensland Ballet Scholarship: Stella Bateman – Jane Moore Academy of Ballet
Classes across the weekend were led by Julie Fleming ARAD and Moya Stubbs, with live accompaniment from pianists Yvonne Carr and Akiko Loong.
RAD Australia National Director Shelley Yacopetti said continuing the Awards was a privilege following Nicholls’ long contribution to the organisation and Victorian dance community.
“Her passion for dance and commitment to generations of young dancers will continue to inspire for many years to come,” she said.
Nicholls’ career encompassed performance, teaching, examining and mentorship. A former Principal Dancer with Ballet Rambert and Leading Soloist with the Borovansky Ballet, she later served for 33 years as an RAD Graded Examiner. She was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance in 2011 and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 for service to the performing arts, particularly ballet.
Dance Australia remembered Audrey Nicholls and her remarkable contribution to Australian ballet following her passing on 30 June. Read Vale Audrey Nicholls OAM FRAD ARAD
The Awards will continue to carry her name forward, recognising the artistry and potential of each new generation of young dancers.