The Royal Academy of Dance has announced the recipients of the 2025 Diana de Vos Awards, held on Sunday 16 November at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. The annual event brought together more than 100 dancers from Grade 3 through to Advanced 2, celebrating their commitment, artistry, and passion for ballet. It was a strong showcase of Western Australia’s emerging performers and the dedication of their teachers, families, and community.
National Director Shelley Yacopetti reflected on the significance of the day, saying “Congratulations to all involved in the 2025 Diana de Vos Awards. The day was a truly wonderful celebration of talent, artistry and passion, shining through in every performance. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of RAD dancers and their teachers. Your accomplishments inspire the entire RAD community.”
Grade 3 to Intermediate dancers began the morning in a set syllabus class, while Advanced Foundation through to Advanced 2 students participated in an open class. RAD extended its thanks to class teachers Nicole Ostler and Rebekah Conry for their clear and generous coaching, which helped create a warm and encouraging environment.
From these classes, adjudicators Brooke Jacobs and Danielle Heywood selected finalists to perform their syllabus dance or variation in the afternoon. A total of 41 students took part, performing before an enthusiastic audience of teachers, friends, and families.
Adjudicator Danielle Heywood shared her impressions: “It was my pleasure to adjudicate for the Diana de Vos Awards 2025 and witness the abundance of emerging talent in WA. My congratulations to all the RAD staff and volunteers who made the day run so smoothly.”
Brooke Jacobs added: “It was an honour to see so many gifted young dancers throughout the day. Their maturity, resilience, and exceptional artistry were inspiring, and they give great promise to the future of ballet in WA.”
The finals were adjudicated by Diana de Vos OAM, Danielle Heywood, and Brooke Jacobs, with prizes awarded across each grade along with artistic awards and overall titles. The event was MC’d by Philippa Lynas, Regional Manager for SA, WA and NT, and included remarks from Shelley Yacopetti.
This year also marked the final time the awards would be held in the current WAAPA building, long regarded as an important home for RAD events and a place that has supported generations of WA dancers.
RAD Australia acknowledged adjudicators Jacobs and Heywood for their insight and encouragement, and expressed deep gratitude to Diana de Vos OAM, whose lifelong dedication to ballet has shaped the artistic landscape in Western Australia and beyond. Thanks were also extended to event sponsors Bloch and Energetiks, as well as the WA Regional Advisory Panel for their ongoing support.
2025 Diana de Vos Awards Winners
Grade 3
Winner: Aurora Keating – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Olivia Rebello – Ignite Dance WA
Grade 4
Winner: Ava Hort – Gail Meade School of Dance
Runner-Up: Ruby Cowin – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Grade 5
Winner: Keira Clayton – Ignite Dance WA
Runner-Up: Asia Obales – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Grade 6/7
Winner: Shelby McAuliffe – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Ciera Carter – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Intermediate Foundation
Winner: Phoebe Chee – Silhouette Dance Studio
Runner-Up: Anna Spencer – Silhouette Dance Studio
Intermediate
Winner: Makai Lewis-Rees – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Shelby McAuliffe – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Advanced Foundation
Winner: Bree Stobie – SutuBallet Coaching
Runner-Up: Annah Maria Chapman – Ignite Dance WA
Advanced 1
Winner: Haruku Hoshi – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Chloe Male – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Advanced 2
Winner: Marley Peters – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Preston Shean – John Curtin College of the Arts
Artistic Awards
Grade 3 to 5 Artistic Award: Isaac Rapi-Beddall – Ellenbrook Ballet Academy
Grade 6 to 7 Artistic Award: Makai Lewis-Rees – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate Artistic Award: Dewi Wiasa – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 Artistic Award: Ella Teh – SutuBallet Coaching
Overall Awards
Overall Junior Winner: Shelby McAuliffe – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Overall Senior Winner: Haruku Hoshi – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching