Queensland dancer Sienna Westcott has been named the recipient of the 2026 RAD Australian Advanced 1 Bursary.
Held on Sunday 14 June at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Melbourne, the bursary brought together talented young RAD students from across five states and territories. Westcott, who represented DE Studios & HQ Classical Coaching, was awarded the $5,000 bursary, generously supported by Bloch Australia, to assist her ongoing dance training and artistic development.
The finalists began the day with an open class led by respected RAD examiner Kerrie Smith, accompanied by pianist Akiko Loong, before presenting classical variations and a contrasting Dancer’s Own piece. They were adjudicated by Ross Hannaford and Lindsay Ellman-Brown, who commended the high standard displayed throughout the competition.
The 2026 finalists were:
- ACT: Camilla Machado, Kim Harvey School of Dance
- NSW: Anna Stephensen, Dance North Academy
- QLD: Sienna Westcott, DE Studios & HQ Classical Coaching
- SA: Bundjalung Coker, Terry Simpson Studios
- VIC: Chloe Lahood, Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School
RAD Head of Department - Examinations and Regions, Lia Cox, praised the calibre of this year’s finalists, saying the candidates demonstrated “not only exceptional technical skill, but also artistry, musicality and a genuine commitment to their craft.”