Australian Classical Challenge Newcastle | A Celebration of Dance Excellence
Published in Print March 2025 order now!
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By Danielle Brown
The Australian Classical Challenge (ACC) returned to Newcastle in spectacular fashion, with two dazzling galas held at St Philip’s Christian College on 15 February (Contemporary Gala) and 16 February (Classical Gala). Leading up to the finals, dancers participated in intensive classes at Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Newcastle Dance Academy, and Ablaze Dance Academy. Proudly sponsored by Harlequin Australia, Dance Boutique, Turn Palazzo, MDM, and BLOCH, the event was a true celebration of Australia’s finest emerging dance talent.
The competition featured both classical and contemporary categories, offering dancers the opportunity to participate in classes and showcase their skills in solo performances. The preliminary rounds culminated in an exhilarating finals series, where winners, runners-up, and encouragement award recipients were recognised across various age groups.
One of the most exciting aspects of the event was the contemporary segment, where students collaborated with esteemed choreographers to learn and perform a short excerpt at the Gala. The anticipation built throughout the competition, with 30 contemporary semi-finalists announced in each division after participating in the preliminary class and performing their solo. These semi-finalists then rehearsed an original two-minute piece under the guidance of a judging panel member, with 15 finalists ultimately selected to perform in the Contemporary Finals.
In the classical category, Junior and Pre-Intermediate participants delivered breathtaking performances, presenting solos up to two minutes long from a curated Classical Repertoire list. The Junior section, in particular comprising of dancers, aged 8-10, truly impressed the audience and adjudicators alike with their talent.
Meanwhile, Intermediate and Senior classical dancers performed variations from the Classical Ballet Repertoire, showcasing skills well beyond their years with precise execution and a deep understanding of ballet technique. Some, especially the award winners, demonstrated exceptional artistry and dynamics.
The event was a memorable experience and a delight for the audience. Adorned in exquisite costumes that complemented their performances, these dancers embodied the grace and discipline of classical ballet.
Another highlight of the event was the two extraordinary Defilé performances, choreographed by Karina Hernandez (Intermediate and Senior) and Karen Thomas (Junior and Pre-Intermediate). These grand showcases brought together an astounding number of dancers, filling the stage with mesmerising displays of technique, patterning, and poise. “It’s truly incredible to witness so much talent come together in such a short amount of rehearsal time,” one audience member remarked.
Sally Wade, the visionary behind the ACC, reflected on the competition’s growth: “This is our biggest event yet here in Newcastle. We had 672 entrants over the four days. Despite a few withdrawals due to injury, we had an incredible 659 dancers perform on stage.”
To ensure every participant receives the full experience, Wade has implemented a cap on entrants. “We will not grow beyond 670 in Newcastle. It’s just not fair on the students, my team, or the judges, who work tirelessly all weekend. They give their all and return home exhausted. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible.”
Looking towards the future of dance in Australia, Wade shared her passion for supporting regional dancers: “I have a real love for regional dance. Canberra feels like a big country town to me, and I was born not far from there in Yass. We have so much talent in regional areas, and we need to get these dancers onto the world stage.”
With many dancers returning and travelling from across the country, excitement soared when Wade announced the upcoming Canberra event later this year and a proposed Queensland event for 2026. “We really hope to make it happen. This competition is my passion, and I’m committed to giving regional dancers the opportunities they deserve,” she stated.
As the competition drew to a close, students backstage shared their most memorable experiences. Miller, who had attended the inaugural Canberra event in 2024, said, “I love dancing, and it’s so much fun to meet new people. I’m more of a jazz dancer, but it was great trying out new things.” Ava added, “I loved the masterclasses—they were so much fun!” Jackie reflected, “I made a bunch of new friends,” while Evelyn shared, “Meeting new friends and having really nice teachers was the best part.”
Paul Boyd Inspires Young Dancers with Encouragement and Scholarships.
A seasoned Australian-born Senior Classical adjudicator, Paul Boyd’s 25-year performing career took him to companies in Germany, Switzerland, and Queensland Ballet. He danced major classical works and pieces by choreographers like Kylian, Forsythe, Balanchine, and Neumeier, earning the German Critics Award for Best Up-and-Coming Artist and Best Established Artist in Europe.
As a choreographer, his works have been showcased by Queensland Ballet, The Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet School, Hong Kong Ballet, and more. He has also been a guest teacher for prestigious institutions such as the Royal Ballet School, West Australian Ballet, and Deutsche Oper am Rhein.
Paul is currently Head of the Queensland Ballet Academy Upper School and its Resident Choreographer.
Reflecting on his own journey as a performer, Boyd acknowledged the immense effort required to step onto the stage with confidence.
“I know from experience when I was a dancer many, many years ago, that feeling of standing on the stage, knowing that you had to come out and accomplish those things. And they’re very, very difficult things. So you all did a marvellous job,” he said, recognising the dedication of the competitors.
Recognising the challenges faced by young men in ballet, Boyd took a moment to offer special encouragement.
“I’d like to give a big shout-out to the men, to the young boys. I know how difficult it can be in the ballet world. Growing up in the country in the 60s and 70s, it was really very, very difficult. And I just want to applaud you and encourage you,” he said, acknowledging the struggles of male dancers in a female-dominated field.
Boyd also highlighted the decline in male participation post-COVID, urging boys to seek support if needed.
“If you need help, if you’re having trouble out there—don’t be scared. Go to your parents, and I’m sure they will do everything to support you. There could be future soloists and principals in this very room.”
Boyd emphasised the value of consistency and patience in training, advising dancers to embrace the journey rather than just the final performance.
“A good, slow training—you can’t go past it. While performing beautiful solos is the cherry on the cake, 99.9% of our time as dancers is spent in the studio, working, working, working. Love the process, because the process of being a dancer is the most beautiful thing. Desire it, enjoy it, and once you accomplish those things, you’ll feel comfortable on stage,” he explained.
Boyd reinforced the importance of absorbing and applying teachers’ guidance.
“We, as teachers, are simply the messengers. We’ve got the information and can pass it on to you, but you have to put it into your body. Tailoring what teachers tell you to your body takes time,” he advised.
Awarding Scholarships to Rising Stars
Boyd had the honour of awarding two one-week scholarships to the Queensland Ballet Academy, recognising exceptional talent among the competitors.
“I was looking for dancers who might suit us. This is a great opportunity, and I hope these two take it up,” he said before announcing:
Ryan Keo (National College of Dance)
“When I see talent, I have to encourage it.”
Primrose Leong (Noosa Professional Dance Academy)
”I saw a remarkable young dancer working tonight, and I wanted to recognise their phenomenal talent, especially for someone so young.”
Recognising Excellence: Awards and Encouragement
Boyd also presented several prestigious awards, acknowledging dancers who demonstrated exceptional artistry, consistency, and dedication.
Encouragement Award: Lillian Oxenford (Annette Roselli Dance Academy)
”A true dancer in every sense of the word. I want to encourage her to keep working hard.”
Runner-Up: Miri Nagata (Tanya Pearson Academy)
”I found her consistent, adaptable, and quietly elegant—a true quiet achiever.”
First Place: Keira Rowe (Dance North Academy)
”Keira has an innate elegance that simply can’t be taught—it runs in her blood.”
Boyd left the competitors with a powerful message:
“Listen to your teachers, apply their knowledge, and enjoy the process. Ballet is a lifelong journey, and your dedication today will shape the dancer you become tomorrow.”
Paul Knobloch Reflects on Young Talent and Offers Valuable Guidance at the Intermediate Classical Event.
Paul Knobloch, Adjudicator of the Intermediate Classical Category, is a renowned figure in the global ballet scene, celebrated for his dynamic performances and contributions as a choreographer and ballet master. With a career that has taken him across continents, Paul continues to inspire dancers and audiences worldwide.
Starting in Australia, Paul’s exceptional talent led him to become a soloist with The Australian Ballet. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “Dancing with The Australian Ballet was a dream come true. It allowed me to explore classical roles while pushing boundaries in contemporary works.”
His career expanded internationally when he joined Béjart Ballet Lausanne as a principal dancer under the legendary Gill Roman. Paul also performed with companies Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco and Sydney Dance Company showcasing his versatility in both classical and contemporary ballet.
Paul began by expressing his deep appreciation for the dancers and the broader community involved in the event.
“I’ve had a wonderful few days, and I feel truly inspired by the young artists here in Newcastle,” he said. “From what I’ve witnessed, I am confident that the future of dance in Australia is in great hands, thanks to these talented young artists and the incredible teachers and coaches who support them. You all play a pivotal role in their dance journeys.”
He didn’t forget the crucial role of parents in these young dancers’ success. “Without you, these young dancers wouldn’t be here today. Your unwavering support for your children is beautiful, allowing them to keep reaching for their dreams and doing what they love.”
Paul continued by acknowledging the behind-the-scenes effort required to make such events a success.
“I just wanted to acknowledge all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make an event like this possible. It really takes a small army,” he explained. “These kinds of events are vital for these young artists. It’s about getting on stage, performing, and doing what they love. That’s how they grow and develop into the future stars of tomorrow.”
Paul then offered valuable advice to the dancers, reflecting on his decision-making process and what he looked for in their performances.
“My decisions tonight were made based on what I saw tonight, but also on the journey we’ve had over the past few days in class and on stage,” Paul shared. “I want to highlight the importance of musicality and dynamics within phrasing. It’s a chicken and egg scenario – what comes first, the music or the dance? But they really are a marriage of both. And equally as important.”
He encouraged dancers to explore the relationship between their movements and the music. “I really encourage you to keep exploring how you can highlight the steps through musicality and how you can interpret them emotionally and artistically,” he advised.
Paul’s closing words were a powerful message of encouragement for the young dancers.
“You’re closer to your goals today than you were yesterday, so keep going. The importance of working hard each day to achieve what you want in your career can’t be overstated. I really encourage all of you to be bold and brave in your pursuit of excellence and to keep reaching for the stars. With hard work, determination, drive, and dedication, there’s so much that’s possible. Believe in yourself. I believe in you. Continue to Dream big.”
Announcing the Results
Finally, Paul announced the award recipients for the Intermediate Classical section:
Encouragement Award: Lewis Nicholson (NOVA, formerly National College of Dance)
Runner-Up: Chloe Cusack (Danielle’s Studio of Dance)
Winner: Ivy Maughan (Ablaze Dance Academy)
Debra Whitten Reflects on Pre-Intermediate Classical Adjudication and Shares Insights with Young Dancers
Debra Whitten, a highly respected Examiner and Tutor for the Royal Academy of Dance, was the adjudicator for the Pre-Intermediate Classical section. With over 30 years of experience running a successful dance studio and a Diploma of Dance from the Victorian College of the Arts, Debra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her adjudication process.
During her adjudication, Debra shared insights into what she looks for in both classwork and performance. She emphasised the critical role classwork plays in shaping a dancer’s success.
“Besides the performance, the classwork still plays a very important role in my decision,” Debra explained. “It is the foundation, the first step to achieving your dreams of getting into a professional school. So always remember that you’ve got to work in your class. Some of you aren’t pushing yourselves, and you need to use your own brain, not rely on others. You’ve got to master those steps, so you can show your best at this level.”
Debra also gave a practical tip for strengthening dancers’ technique. “Keep working to secure the foot line on demi-pointe. If you’re not bracing your ankles and your line’s not straight through that supporting leg, you won’t get a smooth transition when performing. And then it becomes even more of a challenge for us to get up on pointe. Start by strengthening that foot line so you can come down through your fondue with ease.”
Announcing the Award Recipients
After the performances, Debra announced the winners of the Pre-Intermediate Classical section.
Encouragement Award: Caleb Nissan from The Academy
Runner-Up: Cleo Bell from Dance North Academy
Outright Winner: Primrose Leong from The Dance Centre Peregian Springs
Debra had high praise for Primrose, who stood out with her technical ability and performance. “Primrose showed excellent core strength, a very secure pirouette in class as well as on stage, and she always remembered to sustain her facial expression,” Debra commented, highlighting the dancer’s consistency and attention to detail.
Lisa Clark Reflects on Junior Classical Adjudication and Shares Insights with Young Dancers.
Lisa Clark, an esteemed figure in the Australian dance community, was the adjudicator for the Classical Junior section. With a career spanning decades and a wealth of experience both as a dancer and educator, Lisa has had a lasting influence on young dancers. Having trained under respected teachers in Canberra and studied at the College of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London, Lisa went on to establish the Lisa Clark School of Ballet in 1990, which quickly became one of the largest and most prestigious schools of classical ballet in Canberra. In addition to her teaching, she has played a significant role in RAD qualifications, mentoring students and helping to shape the future of dance education in Australia.
Lisa shared her valuable insights into working with young dancers in this age group, particularly the importance of selecting appropriate repertoire for their solo performances. Drawing on her extensive experience, she explained the challenges that come with using classical repertoire for young children:
“I teach children of this age all the time, so it’s just been a joy to see other people’s kids,” Lisa reflected. “One thing I’d like to say, and this is my opinion as a teacher more than anything, is when you’re working with children this young, be really careful with the choice of classical repertoire for their solos. Some of them can do a great job technically, but some variations get pared down so much that they lose their integrity.”
Lisa went on to emphasise the importance of helping young dancers understand the core principles of dance rather than pushing them into principal dancer roles too early. “It’s really important for children to learn and understand what the variations should be like, rather than doing things that are just beyond them, because they’re all principal dancer roles. Some of the characterisations are too complex for young dancers, so be mindful of what teachers and parents choose when selecting a solo.
Her advice on performance choices for young dancers was clear: “As a teacher and a judge, I’m not interested in whether they can do tricks and things. I want to see that they’re beginning to understand all the in-between steps and how to move from one thing to another, rather than just doing triple pirouettes and penché. Keep it simple. There’s plenty of time in their lives to be doing fancy stuff.”
Lisa placed significant emphasis on the importance of classwork when adjudicating, noting that it forms the foundation for developing strong technique. “I put a lot of weight on the classwork that I see the children do, because I’m looking for the basis of good technique. They’re starting to get an understanding of their own body and how to move it, work their turnout, floor pressure—all those important things, as well as musicality and performance quality that’s appropriate to them.”
For Lisa, the development of a young dancer’s technique goes hand in hand with understanding their own body and expressing emotion through their movement. “It’s about the basics—the beginnings of good technique for children of this age. It’s not just about being able to do the fancy steps, but understanding how to move with intention and musicality.”
Lisa announced the award recipients for the Classical Junior section, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of all the dancers involved.
Encouragement Award: Jackie Radovanovic from Kimberley Woodger Dance Academy
Runner-Up: Abigail Halim
Outright Winner: Lauren Li from Dance North Academy
Lisa had high praise for Lauren, the outright winner, and the qualities that set her apart from the rest. “Lauren is a lovely young dancer who has all the things that I was talking about. An understanding of her body—watching her in class, her technique is quite mind-blowing for somebody so young. Both performances brought her up every time.”
Rani Luther, Adjudicator for the Pre-Intermediate and Senior Contemporary Events, shares her insights on the Senior Contemporary Event.
Rani Luther, a distinguished dancer and choreographer, adjudicated the Pre-Intermediate and Senior Contemporary events. Born in Melbourne, her career includes stints with the Kiel Ballet Company, Netherlands Dance Theatre, and The Australian Ballet, where she retired as a principal dancer in 2011. Having worked with renowned choreographers like Jiri Kylián, Mats Ek, and Rafael Bonachela, Rani brings a wealth of experience and emotional insight to her role as an adjudicator. She has also made a significant impact as a choreographer for companies like Sydney Dance Company and Queensland Ballet.
For Rani, the process of adjudicating goes beyond simply assessing a dancer’s technical skills. She explained the significance of emotional connection and musicality when evaluating performances, placing them at the forefront of her decision-making.
“For me, the number one is from our heartbeat. It’s the rhythm, the musicality, and the emotion of connection,” Rani shared. “What I really have to sit back and question is: Was I moved? Was I touched? Was I brought somewhere else? And that’s a very difficult thing to do, especially in a solo that’s under two minutes.”
After a day of compelling performances, Rani announced the award recipients for the Senior Contemporary section. The encouragement award went to Kate Connelly from Dance North Academy. Rani reflected on Kate’s performance with appreciation for the connection she had made with the audience, noting, “Kate’s performance was a joy to watch, and I could feel the sincerity in her movements. She demonstrated great potential and was well-deserving of this award.”
The runner-up award was presented to Psalm Pratley from National College of Dance. Rani described Psalm’s performance with an infectious admiration: “She exuded joy, and we need more joy in the world. It really touched me right from the first second in class. There was something so pure and uplifting about her presence, and it was clear that she had an emotional connection to the piece she performed.”
The outright winner of the Senior Contemporary section was Isla Keenan from NOVA (formerly National College of Dance). Rani praised Isla’s remarkable stage presence and her deep connection to the music: “I just really felt, apart from the obvious fact that she is a very strong and capable dancer with skills perhaps beyond her years, that she was very much in the present moment. And that’s when you hear the music the best. It’s that beautiful connection that exudes out to the audience, and she was able to convey that so well.”
Throughout her adjudication, Rani emphasised that the true magic of dance comes from the ability to marry technical prowess with artistry stating, “It’s really about that connection with the music, and I think that’s what makes the difference between just executing steps and truly performing,” Rani explained. “When a dancer is really in tune with the music and the emotions it carries, that’s when they shine.”
Jayden Hicks Shines a Light on Collaboration and Self-Awareness in Intermediate Contemporary Adjudication
Jayden Hicks, Artistic Director of Transit Dance, adjudicated the Intermediate Contemporary event with a strong emphasis on collaboration and self-awareness. Based in Melbourne, his career spans performance, choreography, and artistic leadership.
He has performed with leading companies such as Opera Australia, Vertical Shadows, and Melbourne Ballet Company, earning nominations for a Green Room Award and a Victorian Dance Award for Collaboration the Project’s Yours Truly in 2013. As Artistic Director of Transit Dance, Jayden is known for nurturing young talent, with notable works including Opus, which toured regional Victoria in 2023, and his role as Creative Associate for The Australian Ballet’s 60th Anniversary Season.
Speaking about his adjudication process, Jayden shared, “Tonight for me, was especially about a sense of collaboration. I wanted to see what I’ve given to them on stage, but also a sense of themselves, and then working harmoniously… how our work comes together honestly and naturally.” He highlighted the importance of dancers’ self-awareness, urging them to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth: “We all have strengths and weaknesses in different areas… and I hope that, if anything, you can use this time and this experience to look back and ask, where can I find value in both?”
Jayden also emphasised the pressure dancers face in the professional world. “We do work under very tight constraints… you need to have a good friendship and relationship with not always having months and years to rehearse something,” he explained. “But have the confidence and the patience to breathe and go on stage and trust yourself.”
The Encouragement Award for the Intermediate Contemporary event went to Lewis Nicholson from NOVA (formerly National College of Dance). Jayden praised his stage presence, saying, “How they present themselves, especially on stage, is so powerful and commanding… allowing themselves to slow down will just take them so much further.”
Jayden recognised the runner-up and winner for their outstanding performances. He said of Ivy Maughan from Ablaze Dance Academy, the runner-up, “I’m so impressed by their breath and patience in their work. It’s hypnotic and beautiful.”
When speaking about the winner, Mackenzie Lightfoot from Dance Edge Studios, Jayden added, “The complexity of their movement quality came from a personal place, and it was the truest sense of collaboration that I witnessed over the week.”
Rani Luther and Kaitlin Malone Offer Insightful Feedback in Contemporary Dance Adjudication
Rani Luther, who adjudicated the Pre-Intermediate Contemporary section, acknowledged the high level of performance she witnessed, noting, “Your solos gave a lot away about who you are. Performance quality was exceptional yesterday.” She went on to discuss the broad nature of contemporary dance, adding, “Contemporary dance is a very broad genre, one in which, again, it’s quite subjective, but from my background, it’s definitely based on balletic, contemporary ballet. Some of the choreography got a little repetitious or perhaps veered into another genre like gymnastics or jazz. So just watch that with these competitions, as sometimes more is not necessarily more.”
For Rani, the most important factors to observe were the transitions, value, and the ability to connect with the movement. She concluded, “I was looking really for the value, the transition, and the ability to touch and connect.”
The Encouragement Award in this category went to Miranda Webb, with Victoria Harper securing the runner-up position. Rani praised the winner, Willow Duncan from The Academy, saying, “Willow, blew me away not only in class but yesterday on stage. Beyond her years with musicality, power, strength, and performance quality. And I have to say today, you really nailed the choreography we learned very late last night.”
Meanwhile, Kaitlin Malone, adjudicating the Junior Contemporary section, had high praise for the dancers’ musicality and maturity. “My Encouragement Award went to someone who had incredible musicality. I even noticed in class that they had this sort of leadership presence. They were really cooperative with everyone. They came to the front, but they also gave space and went to the back. They listened to all of my notes and my feedback,” Kaitlin shared, highlighting Jackie Radovanovic from Kimberley Woodger Dance Academy.
Kaitlin also applauded the runner-up, Lauren Li from Dance North Academy . She recalled, “I remember them from 2023, and it’s been incredible to see their growth over the last two years.”
But it was Willow Campbell from Ablaze Dance Academy who stole Kaitlin’s attention, with the adjudicator noting, “I was so taken away by this young dancer and just how much they’ve matured at such a young age. When I watched their solo, the first thing that came to mind was butter. They move so smooth, like butter.”
Kaitlin expressed her admiration for Willow once again, saying, “I’m blown away by this dancer. Their maturity in their movement is stunning. They have a gorgeous presence. I’m shocked that they’re in the junior division—I’m just blown away.”
The Australian Classical Challenge Newcastle was not just a competition; it was a celebration of artistry, dedication, and the boundless future of dance in Australia. With a passionate community, world-class mentors, and the unwavering support of sponsors, the ACC continues to pave the way for the next generation of Australian dancers.