This year’s Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix (BICD Prix) was both a celebration of emerging talent and a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary woman who created it.
In September, the Australian dance community mourned the sudden passing of Louise Deleur, the BICD Prix’s beloved Founder and Director. A gifted artist, mentor and choreographer, Deleur dedicated her life to nurturing young dancers and creating opportunities for them to shine. From her early career on international stages to her work with Lucid Dance and the establishment of the BICD Prix in 2018, she championed creativity, connection and courage. Her warmth, humility and devotion to her craft left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
This year’s Prix was held in her honour, celebrating the enduring legacy of her vision. As organisers shared, “Louise was deeply committed to this year's event, and we are determined to carry forward her vision with the same dedication and excellence that she inspired in all of us.”
A Week of Passion, Growth and Community
Over six days, the Prix brought together more than 90 young dancers from across Australia and abroad. Participants took part in a full program of classical and contemporary classes, improvisation, choreography and repertoire sessions with an outstanding international faculty. Throughout the week, dancers were mentored by some of the most respected artists and educators working in the field today.
Following two rounds of solos and classwork, the following dancers were selected as finalists:
BICD Prix 2025 Finalists and Winners
Intermediate Finalists
- Charlie Haynes
- Mei Baynes
- Kate Connelly
- Maisie Molloy
- Zara Strelen
- Isla Keenan
- Misa Titcher
- Miyuki Feng
- Alec Compton
- Tomihiko Arai
Senior Finalists
- Matilda Guerin
- Arianna Collier
- Olivia Canny
- Kiara Lindsay
- Sienna Baensch
- Leah Chapman
- Amelia Oddy
- Jeannie Mok
- Sophia Denison-Brown
- Ryan Black
- Matthew Erlandson
Intermediate Winners
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Winner: Mei Baynes
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Runner-up: Alec Compton
Senior Winners
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Winner: Sienna Baensch
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Runner-up: Sophia Denison-Brown
Baynes expressed her gratitude, saying, “It has been such a beautiful week full of art, love and dance. I hope Louise Deleur felt the tenacity, passion and love she has allowed us to share.”
Compton reflected, “I feel so incredibly grateful and privileged to be gifted an achievement such as this. I applaud all my fellow contestants, the panel, mentors and staff who made this experience possible.”
The organisers captured the week’s spirit perfectly: “You spent the week learning, growing and engaging with both national and international guests. Watching each of you throughout the week was nothing short of remarkable. Your passion, dedication and energy lit up every moment, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
The BICD Prix once again brought an exceptional panel of international teachers and mentors to Brisbane, reflecting the event’s global reach and artistic calibre.
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Kim McCarthy, former soloist with Hamburg Ballet and principal with Compañia Nacional de Danza under Nacho Duato, now Classical Ballet Coordinator at WAAPA.
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Claire Phipps-Males, former soloist with The Australian Ballet and Queensland Ballet, now a highly respected teacher and ballet mistress working in Australia and abroad.
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Victor Zarallo, former Scottish Ballet soloist and Sydney Dance Company artist, now an international choreographer and coach.
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Riannon McLean, acclaimed repertoire coach and educator with more than two decades of experience in creative development and youth arts.
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Mark Wuest, lecturer in contemporary dance at Zurich University of the Arts and former member of Joffrey Ballet and Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève.
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Darren Ellis, Deputy Principal of Rambert School and returning BICD Prix panellist, with an extensive career across Europe.
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Professor Katharina Christl, Director of the Palucca University of Dance Dresden, former soloist with Ballet National de Marseille and Bayerisches Staatsballett.
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Jeroen Verbruggen, Belgian choreographer who has created works for Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Ballet National de Marseille and many other leading companies. He also coached two original solos created especially for this year’s Prix.
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Natalie Wier, Australian choreographer and former Artistic Director of Expressions Dance Company.
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Gina Andrews, contemporary dance tutor at the New Zealand School of Dance.
The BICD Prix has established itself as a vital platform specifically for young contemporary dancers aged 15 to 22, offering scholarships, secondments and mentorships with leading international schools and companies. The competition fosters artistic growth and connection, and each year its impact continues to expand.
Louise Deleur’s legacy is carried forward through every dancer who performs at the Prix. Her vision transformed a single idea into an internationally respected event that champions both technical excellence and creative individuality.
As the organisers wrote, “Together, we will celebrate not only the artistry and talent of our competitors, but also the lasting impact Louise has had on our community.”
Her presence was felt in every performance, every rehearsal and every shared moment of inspiration throughout the 2025 BICD Prix.