AICD Victorian Junior Awards

By Danielle Brown

The Australian Institute of Classical Dance (AICD) Victorian Junior Classical Ballet Awards were held on Sunday 26 October 2025, bringing together young dancers, teachers and families from across Victoria for a day dedicated to classical ballet training, performance and encouragement. The event celebrated emerging talent within a carefully structured and supportive framework, reinforcing AICD’s commitment to fostering excellence while prioritising healthy development and artistry in young dancers.

The Junior Awards were presented across two age groups, 9–10 years and 11–12 years, each comprising a classical ballet class followed by solo performances. The 9–10 years section commenced with class at 9:00am, followed by solos, while the 11–12 years group began at 1:00pm, with the day concluding at approximately 4:15pm. Both age groups were adjudicated by distinguished ballet educator Maggie Lorraine, whose career spans more than five decades across the United Kingdom and Australia.

Reflecting on her experience adjudicating the awards, Lorraine spoke warmly of both the scale of participation and the inclusive ethos of the program. “The AICD does wonderful work in supporting and assisting young dancers to follow their dreams, and judging by the number of entries, the word is certainly out,” she said. “In the 9–10 age group alone, there were eighty students at varying stages of training, from those just beginning their journey to others with more advanced experience. The AICD welcomes them all, creating a positive and encouraging experience for everyone.”

Throughout the day, the emphasis was placed not only on performance outcomes but on the experience of participating, learning and being seen. “The love and support for ballet were evident throughout the day,” Lorraine continued. “Each student was empowered simply by taking part and was acknowledged individually. In nurturing these young dancers, the AICD is not only helping them along their often-challenging career paths but also cultivating audiences of the future.”

While technical foundations were evident across both age groups, Lorraine explained that her assessment extended beyond precision and vocabulary. “While technical skill is essential, it is not what I value most,” she said. “What sets a dancer apart is presence, that ability to command attention, to draw the eye in a room full of equally capable dancers.” She noted that this quality often emerges early and, when recognised by perceptive teachers, can be nurtured into individuality and artistry. “Ultimately, in performance, it is the dancer whose focus, projection, and generosity of spirit reach out to the audience who leaves the lasting impression.”

Lorraine was mindful of the broad range of developmental stages represented across both sections, acknowledging the thoughtful preparation of teachers. “Each stage of childhood brings new abilities and challenges, and every child progresses at their own pace,” she said. “Both age groups included children transitioning from middle childhood into adolescence, as well as some who had already reached early adolescence. I thought the teachers had done wonderful work recognising this and tailoring solos to suit each student’s current level of ability.” She also acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers who may see students only once or twice a week, noting that differences in progress do not reflect ability or potential, but individual development.

The award recipients were selected for their consistency across both classwork and performance. “Without a solid technical foundation, it is virtually impossible for a student to adapt and work confidently in an unseen class,” Lorraine explained. “When a class is included as part of a competition, it should hold equal value alongside the solo performance.” The dancers who stood out were those who demonstrated presence in class, expressive performance qualities on stage, and, in some cases, advanced technical ability.

In the 9–10 years age group, First Place was awarded to Lauren Li from Dance North Academy, followed by Ava Wang Kai from Brian Nolan Academy of Dance in Second Place and Sarah Thach from Dance School of Distinction in Third Place. Highly Commended was Isabel Santamaria from Academy of Dance Victoria. In the 11–12 years section, First Place was awarded to Milla Calyk from Expressions Ballet Academy, Second Place to Laikyn McGrath from Joanne O’Kelly School of Dance, and Third Place to Celeste Robinson from En Pointe. Highly Commended was Kirtley Sheppard from Kerry Moore School of Ballet.

Lorraine also acknowledged the contribution of class teacher Adrian Fryer, whose approach supported the diverse levels within each group. “He showed great sensitivity to the diversity of levels within each group and created a supportive, non-intimidating environment,” she said. “His classes were clearly structured, with exercises and enchaînements designed to bring out each student’s best qualities rather than to challenge or test them unnecessarily.”

For young dancers entering competitions for the first time, Lorraine offered considered advice grounded in long experience. “Presence is what truly sets a dancer apart,” she said. “Sound training and solid technique are essential, but it’s also important to be able to pick up exercises quickly and remain responsive to new teachers.” She also highlighted an area she feels deserves greater emphasis in training. “Not enough attention is placed on the use of the upper body. Port de bras is fundamental, it defines the style of each era and genre of ballet and brings character to performance.” She described the upper body as the dancer’s connection to the audience, communicating emotion, intention and artistry.

The 2025 AICD Victorian Junior Classical Ballet Awards once again demonstrated the value of thoughtfully designed opportunities that prioritise learning, encouragement and artistic development. Through its emphasis on classwork, sensitive adjudication and inclusive participation, the Australian Institute of Classical Dance continues to provide a meaningful pathway for young dancers as they grow in confidence, skill and love for the art form.