Students from 12 countries came to compete at the Royal Academy of Dance Genee International Ballet Competition in New Zealand this year. But in the end the 12 finalists chosen came from close to home, with an even six from Australia and six from the host country.
They stepped out on the stage of the St James Theatre in Wellington on Saturday night in front of a full house and the three illustrious judges: David McAllister (artistic director of the Australian Ballet), Li Cunxin (artistic director of the Queensland Ballet) and Christopher Hampson (artistic director of the Scottish Ballet). Five medals were awarded.
The winner of the girl’s Gold Medal (NZ$9,750) was Montana Rubin (15), a pupil of The Dance Spot in Sydney. The girl’s Silver (NZ$5750) was awarded twice: one to Ariana Hond (16), and one to Kaena Ahern (17), both pupils of the Mt Eden Ballet Ballet Academy in Auckland. Ariana also won the Audience Vote.
Of the two male finalists, the Gold went to Aurelian Child-de Brocas (15), a Kiwi who studies at the Alegria Dance Studios in Sydney, while the Silver went to Harry Davis (17), a pupil at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School.
In an interview immediately after the finals, adjudicator David McAllister said that, of the girls, Montana was an outright winner. “She was so incredibly solid. For someone so young – I didn’t realise she was only 15 – she was extraordinary. She did very difficult solos with such ease and beauty and assurance – it was extraordinary to see that clarity of technique. She had beautiful use of her feet, beautiful line - and incredible poise for one so young.”
Of the two girls’ silver medallists, he praised their “great attack and fearlessness”.
“I love seeing someone who takes the risks. They both had beautiful phrasing and musicality and attack – that’s why we felt we couldn’t split them.”
He was also full of praise for the male medal winners, but said that in the end the judges awarded the gold to Aurelian because “he’s such a beautiful performer.”
“I think that’s what we all really loved about him – his performance quality was so strong, and he is so musical and had a beautiful quality about his movement – that’s what we felt was really outstanding.”
He said that Harry was also a “beautiful dancer, with wonderful facility, beautiful legs and feet and a charming quality. I think he’s going to really develop over the next couple of years, but he’s a particularly talented young gentleman”.
For the list of 12 finalists, click here. For a full account of the Genee, including more comments from adjudicator Christopher Hampson, see the Feb/Mar issue of Dance Australia.