Lewis Nicholson completed a consecutive Junior-to-Senior double, while 14-year-old Xirui Xu claimed the Junior title at a Gala that also delivered major training opportunities.
Lewis Nicholson and Xirui Xu have been named the winners of the 2026 Sydney Eisteddfod Senior and Junior Ballet Scholarships, following the Ballet Gala at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Sunday, August 2.
Nicholson received the Senior Ballet Scholarship, valued at $18,000, while India-Rose Macé was awarded the $5,000 runner-up prize. Xu received the $7,000 Junior Ballet Scholarship, with Harriet Thomas taking the $1,500 runner-up award.
The result marks a significant second consecutive Gala victory for 16-year-old Nicholson, who won the Junior Ballet Scholarship in 2025. A pre-professional student at Nova City Ballet under Jake and Emma Burden, Nicholson performed the variation from La Esmeralda and his Dancers’ Own work, Suru, choreographed by Jake Burden. He will begin training at Germany’s John Cranko Schule in September.
Speaking exclusively to Dance Australia, Nicholson said the result would provide both encouragement and practical support as he prepares for the next stage of his training.
“Winning the Senior Classical Scholarship and performing on the Sydney Opera House stage is an honour I’m incredibly grateful for. Being a part of the Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala was an incredibly meaningful experience, and sharing that stage with so many talented dancers is something I will always value.
“To be recognised by such esteemed adjudicators is incredibly rewarding and reflects not only my own dedication, but the continued guidance and support of my teachers, family, and mentors. I am also sincerely appreciative of the accompanying financial award, which will provide valuable support as I continue my training.
“This experience has strengthened my commitment to pursuing excellence and further inspired me to refine both my technical precision and artistic expression as I work towards a professional career in ballet.”
Senior runner-up Macé performed the Grand Pas Classique from Giselle and Somatica, choreographed by Adam Blanch. Her recent achievements include reaching the Youth America Grand Prix Finals in 2025 and 2026, winning the 2026 Australian Institute of Classical Dance Marilyn Jones Award and completing her Solo Seal in June.
Xu, who was also a Junior finalist in 2025, trains in the after-school program at Queensland Dance Centre. She performed the Act I Dream variation from Raymonda and her Dancers’ Own work, The Bridge. The 14-year-old has consistently placed among the top three dancers in the Junior Division at Youth America Grand Prix Sydney and has previously been invited to the YAGP Finals in the United States.
For Xu, the experience of performing for the Concert Hall audience was as meaningful as the result.
“I still can’t quite believe I was chosen as the winner, and I feel incredibly grateful and honoured. More than the result, I truly enjoyed being on stage and sharing my love of ballet with such a wonderful audience and esteemed judges.
“I received so many kind words from both the audience and the judges, and I will carry them in my heart as I continue my journey, as they mean a great deal to me. The whole experience was deeply inspiring and has motivated me to continue working hard, learning, and growing as a dancer.
“My dream is to join The Australian Ballet one day. I am very thankful to my professional teachers, my family, and everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Junior runner-up Thomas performed Aurora’s Act III wedding variation from The Sleeping Beauty and Timelapse, choreographed by Riannon McLean. Thomas trains with Anne Fraser Classical Coaching, Claudia Dean Academy and HQ Classical, and is an Invitee of The Australian Ballet School.
A further five finalists received awards and professional development opportunities during the presentations. Florence Hanks-Ruttyn received Christine Walsh’s Ballet Conservatoire Training Program Award, comprising $3,000 and a Ballet Conservatoire recognition medal. Hanks-Ruttyn will shortly commence the Advanced Studies Programme at Tanz Akademie Zürich.
Luke Antcliffe was selected for a contemporary immersion week at the New Zealand School of Dance, while Anna Stephensen received the Queensland Ballet training opportunity, which provides access to classes and rehearsals with Queensland Ballet and/or the Academy of Queensland Ballet.
Jessica Cooper received the Tanya Pearson Artistry Award, recognising expression, stagecraft and artistry. Ava Lingxi Meng was selected by the audience as the recipient of the inaugural Audience Choice Award, open to all Junior and Senior finalists and decided entirely by Ballet Gala ticketholders.
The Junior finalists were assessed by Damian Smith, Jessica Kenway and Royal Academy of Dance Chief Examiner Jennifer Hale. The Senior panel comprised former Australian Ballet Principal Artist Olivia Bell, dance educator Linda Gamblin and The Australian Ballet Artistic Director David Hallberg.
The Gala also featured the inaugural Future Stars Défilé, presented by Bloch and choreographed by Sydney Eisteddfod alumna Emma Sandall. Guest performances were presented by Dance North Academy, The McDonald College, Ablaze Dance Academy and Studi-O, spanning lyrical, classical ballet, contemporary and national character.