Ten remarkable young dancers, ten individual journeys and a shared passion for the art of dance. dancetrain celebrates the students whose dedication, artistry and achievements are shaping the future of Australian dance.
Every year, dancetrain magazine’s prestigious National Student Star Awards celebrate the exceptional young dancers emerging from Australia’s dance schools and vocational training institutions. This annual editorial celebration recognises not only outstanding technical ability and performance achievements, but also the dedication, resilience, individuality and commitment that define the journey towards a professional career.
The 2026 National Student Star Awards bring together ten dancers from across Australia, each with a distinctive story. Some are preparing to leave home for full-time vocational training, others are discovering new dimensions of their artistry, and several have already experienced the demands of international competitions and professional company environments.
Behind their achievements are teachers, mentors, families and dance communities whose guidance has helped turn ambition into opportunity. Together, their stories offer a compelling picture of the next generation of Australian dance.
Angela Lee | Redlands Dance Academy, NSW
FINDING HER OWN VOICE
At thirteen, Angela Lee is learning to balance an increasingly demanding ballet schedule with academic responsibilities and student leadership at Redlands School. A Year 7 student and member of the Student Representative Council, Angela brings the same enthusiasm to her school community that has helped her achieve recognition on the international ballet stage.
Among her 2026 highlights was third place at the Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition in New York, accompanied by scholarships to Oklahoma City Ballet. Further scholarship recognition came from Joffrey Ballet, while Australian achievements included an AusPrix scholarship to The Australian Ballet School’s summer programme.
Angela also performed alongside fellow Redlands student Jakob Kelly in a *Giselle* pas de deux at Youth America Grand Prix, where the pair placed second.
For Angela, however, technical development is only part of her ambition. She is increasingly interested in storytelling, musicality and discovering how to communicate emotion through movement.
Gilly Revie, Head of Redlands Dance Academy, recognises a young dancer whose enthusiasm is matched by an exceptional willingness to learn.
“It is not often that you come across a gem like Angela,” she observes. “As eager as she is talented, she embraces ballet with an infectious energy and a fierce desire to learn.”
Angela hopes to continue developing her individuality as a performer, exploring new styles while strengthening the classical foundations that have already opened so many doors.
Jakob Kelly | Redlands Dance Academy, NSW
THE FREEDOM TO DANCE
Fourteen-year-old Jakob Kelly’s pathway into classical ballet began with a love of commercial dance. Hip hop, jazz, tap, acrobatics and drama were among his earliest interests, and his enthusiasm for movement continues to influence the versatility and musicality he brings to performance.
Training at Redlands Dance Academy has transformed his relationship with ballet. During 2026, opportunities to work with Nathan Coppen and Luca Masala of Princess Grace Academy in Monaco at Aus Prix, together with a summer intensive at The Royal Ballet School, encouraged Jakob to consider classical ballet as a serious professional pathway.
His development has been supported by Redlands teachers Gilly Revie, Kate Larter, Naomi Keighley and Fabio Lo Giudice, each contributing to different aspects of his technique, confidence, contemporary movement and partnering skills.
Naomi Keighley particularly admires his instinctive relationship with music.
“Jakob possesses an innate connection to movement and music; his beautiful dynamic range comes purely from within and draws you in to each one of his performances.”
The opportunity to compete at the Youth America Grand Prix Finals further broadened his perspective, bringing him into contact with dancers from around the world.
In 2027, Jakob will commence full-time training at The Australian Ballet School, taking with him the versatility of his commercial background and a growing commitment to classical ballet.
Amelie Wheeler | The Australian Ballet School, Victoria
THE ART OF BELONGING
For graduating Level 8 student Amelie Wheeler, 2026 has offered a remarkable introduction to professional company life.
Performing with The Australian Ballet in *La Bayadère: Entrance of the Shades* and *Ballet Imperial* allowed Amelie to experience the precision, discipline and collaboration required within a corps de ballet. It also revealed the importance of contributing to something greater than an individual performance.
“Being able to experience this firsthand was an invaluable learning opportunity that challenged and developed my own dancing,” she explains. “It also gave me a greater understanding of the level of commitment, discipline and teamwork required within a professional company.”
Amelie began ballet at two at Christa Cameron School of Ballet before entering The Australian Ballet School in Level 4 in 2022. Throughout her vocational training, Irina Konstantinova has been particularly influential in refining her port de bras, warmth and expressive qualities.
Her final year has also included working with choreographers Stephanie Lake and Lucas Jervies, and renowned teachers and coaches Leanne Benjamin OBE AM and Lucinda Dunn OAM.
One of her most significant artistic experiences was dancing the principal role in Jervies’ *Concerto Anniversary*, where demanding pas de deux choreography challenged her technical and expressive abilities.
As she approaches graduation, Amelie hopes to build a professional career that embraces both classical and contemporary repertoire. Her ambition is to become a reliable, adaptable and expressive company artist, equally committed to her own development and the collective success of an ensemble.
Cayden Connors | Turning Pointe Dance Studios, Cairns, Queensland
BORN TO PERFORM
When Cayden Connors was a little boy, he famously told his mother, “Mum, I was born to perform, not to practise!”
At fourteen, the Cairns dancer still possesses that unmistakable enthusiasm for the stage, although he now understands the dedication required to pursue performance professionally.
Growing up at Turning Pointe Dance Studios, directed by his mother Melanie Connors, Cayden developed a love of dance that extends across classical ballet, tap and musical theatre. His interests also include piano, drums and singing.
Training in regional Queensland has presented challenges, particularly the limited opportunities to work regularly with male ballet teachers. Yet those circumstances have encouraged Cayden to embrace visiting teachers, interstate programmes and international training experiences.
In 2026, he received scholarships and offers from institutions including Joffrey Ballet, Alberta Ballet School, The Rock School for Dance Education, Elmhurst Ballet School and Youth Ballet WA. He also placed second at YGP Australia in Sydney and achieved a High Distinction in RAD Advanced Foundation.
His most exciting achievement was acceptance into The Australian Ballet School for full-time training in 2027.
Melanie, who has watched his development both as a mother and teacher, is proud of the determination behind his accomplishments.
“As both his mum and teacher, I’ve watched him grow from a little boy who simply did what he loved into a young man with big dreams who sets high goals for himself,” she says. “Whether it’s dance, school or music, when Cayden commits to something, he gives it 100% and wants to be the best he can be.”
For Cayden, the next chapter means leaving the Cairns studio that has been his second home for a decade and discovering what he can achieve in a full-time vocational environment.
Willow Campbell | Ablaze Dance Academy
BORN TO MOVE
For eleven-year-old Willow Campbell, dancing has always felt as natural as breathing.
Family videos capture her practising against furniture as a toddler, while photographs show Ablaze Dance Academy director Bergen Lavelle carrying her around in nappies and ballet shoes.
Today, Willow is undertaking her first year of full-time training at Ablaze, beginning her days before five in the morning with stretching, exercise and schoolwork before heading into the studio.
Her 2026 achievements include winning Contemporary and placing Runner-Up in Classical at the Australian Classical Challenge, reaching the Claudia Dean Scholarship finals and achieving multiple placings at Sydney Eisteddfod. She also placed second in Contemporary at the YAGP Sydney Semi-Finals.
International opportunities have already taken Willow to France through a European School of Ballet scholarship, with further European and American training experiences on her horizon.
Despite these achievements, she recognises that progress involves learning from difficult moments as well as successful performances. Following a disappointing pirouette during a competition, Willow chose resilience as her guiding word for 2027.
Bergen Lavelle has watched her develop from an enthusiastic young child into an increasingly expressive dancer.
“As she matures, it is lovely to see her developing a deeper connection to ballet, bringing greater sensitivity, expression and artistry to her dancing,” Bergen says.
Willow’s development reflects the collective contribution of Ablaze’s faculty, including Robert Curran in classical ballet and Isabella D’Accione and Zoe Jones in contemporary training.
Her ultimate dream is to become a principal dancer, but the joy of movement remains her greatest motivation.
“It’s like air — I don’t think I could live without it,” she says.
Bundjalung Coker | Terry Simpson Studios, Adelaide / Ellison Ballet, New York
UNEXPECTED PATH TO NEW YORK
Sixteen-year-old Bundjalung Coker’s journey from Adelaide to New York demonstrates how unexpected setbacks can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
After beginning dance at eight, Bundjalung developed a serious commitment to classical ballet under the guidance of Terry Simpson and her faculty at Terry Simpson Studios.
In 2026, he achieved 92 per cent in RAD Advanced 2 and received scholarships to summer programmes at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre, the School of American Ballet and Joffrey Ballet School.
During his American summer training, however, a sacroiliac joint ligament injury disrupted his plans. His hopes of entering the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School’s year-round programme were not realised, forcing him to reconsider his next step.
That disappointment led him to Ellison Ballet in New York, where he was subsequently offered a scholarship.
Now immersed in Vaganova-based training, Bundjalung is developing new technical foundations, expanding his partnering experience and continuing to recover his strength.
Terry Simpson remembers recognising his determination from the beginning.
“From the moment he arrived, I could tell he was filled with a burning desire to be a better dancer and gain as much knowledge and experience in classical ballet as he could.”
His departure was sudden, but Terry believes the opportunity has been transformative.
“It has been my pleasure and privilege to have taught this very special young man on his journey to greater things. We miss his energy and enthusiasm in the studio every day.”
For Bundjalung, New York has become much more than a summer destination. It is now the setting for the next stage of his professional ambitions.
Claudia Valenzuela | The McDonald College, Sydney
THE COURAGE TO TAKE FLIGHT
For twelve years, The McDonald College was central to Claudia Valenzuela’s development as a dancer.
Beginning ballet through the College’s After Hours programme at five, Claudia progressed to its Day School in Year 10, balancing academic studies with increasingly demanding classical and contemporary training.
Her final year brought significant challenges, including recovery from a high-grade stress fracture, but also some of her most rewarding achievements.
In 2026, Claudia received a High Distinction in RAD Advanced 2, attended The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia on scholarship, and received HSC Dance Callback nominations for all three of her works.
A particularly memorable experience was performing the Lilac Fairy in The McDonald College’s production of *The Sleeping Beauty*, a role that demanded both artistic maturity and technical authority.
Jane Kesby, Head of Classical Ballet, has watched Claudia develop into a thoughtful and generous performer.
“It has been beautiful to watch Claudia develop both as a dancer and as a person over the years. Hard-working, humble, and sincere, she has become the butterfly and is ready to fly away.”
Sarah Minol, Head of HSC Dance, also recognises the determination behind Claudia’s achievements, describing her as a conscientious student whose creativity and attention to detail have become increasingly apparent.
Now training at Central School of Ballet in London, Claudia is beginning a new chapter shaped by the discipline, friendships and encouragement of her years at The McDonald College.
Margot Bou-Samra | Alegria Dance Studios
BEYOND THE STEPS
For fifteen-year-old Margot Bou-Samra, 2026 has been a year of artistic discovery.
After developing a strong foundation in the Cecchetti method at Denise Utz School of Dance, Margot commenced full-time training at Alegria Dance Studios in February under the direction of Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie.
The transition introduced her to a broader programme encompassing RAD ballet, Spanish dance, contemporary, pas de deux, composition and theoretical studies, encouraging her to consider the deeper relationship between technique and artistic expression.
Her achievements this year include Runner-Up in the Silver section of the national Lucie Saronova Memorial Awards, an invitation to the Asian Grand Prix Finals in Hong Kong, a scholarship to BIP Thailand and a High Distinction in RAD Intermediate.
For Margot, however, the greatest change has been in how she approaches performance. She is learning that technical accuracy must serve a larger artistic purpose.
“You can be the most technically precise dancer, but if you can’t capture an audience, then everything else becomes meaningless,” she explains.
Her teachers have observed that growing maturity firsthand.
“Margot is a very dedicated and ambitious student who always comes in early and is ready to work relentlessly to achieve what she is being asked to do,” Hilary Kaplan and Archibald McKenzie explain.
Their encouragement has helped Margot explore the emotional possibilities of classical repertoire, particularly through her interpretation of *La Esmeralda*.
Inspired by artists such as Marianela Núñez, she hopes to develop the technical refinement and individuality necessary for a professional career.
Mirabella Maganov | The National Ballet School, Melbourne
THE CONFIDENCE TO LET GO
Sixteen-year-old Mirabella Maganov is discovering that one of ballet’s greatest challenges is learning when to stop thinking about technique and simply dance.
During the 2026 AICD Victorian Ballet Awards, a masterclass adjudicator reminded students that technical preparation in the studio should ultimately allow them to perform with freedom on stage.
The advice resonated with Mirabella, who has been developing greater confidence and artistic expression through her training at The National Ballet School in Melbourne.
Having begun ballet at four in Sydney, she moved to Melbourne and joined The National almost two years ago. She particularly values the encouragement of her teachers, including Ezlimar Dortolina, whose guidance has supported her participation in the School’s Pathways programme.
Among her 2026 achievements was her first appearance at the Youth America Grand Prix Sydney Semi-Finals, where she received two scholarships to The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia.
A teacher at The National Ballet School praises both her technical potential and her thoughtful approach to learning.
“She is respectful, hardworking and humble, and she absorbs feedback like a sponge. She’s genuinely curious about her learning and often asks questions to better understand the corrections she receives.”
Mirabella is inspired by Natalia Osipova and Australian Ballet artist Benedicte Bemet, admiring their combination of strength, artistry and expressive freedom.
She hopes to continue exploring international training opportunities while developing the confidence to trust her preparation and enjoy every moment on stage.
Orli Dureau-McMillan | National College of Dance, Newcastle
FROM NEWCASTLE TO MELBOURNE
For fifteen-year-old Orli Dureau-McMillan, five years at National College of Dance have created a foundation of memorable performances, friendships and opportunities that will accompany her into the next stage of her training.
Orli joined the Newcastle college in 2022 at ten, having previously studied at Heidi’s School of Dance and explored acrobatics at Perry on Parry.
Under the guidance of Artistic Director Brett Morgan OAM and teachers including Elise Frawley, Debbie Linnert, Jane Evans, Zoe Monohan, Timothy Gordon and Jacinta Depalo, she has developed both her classical technique and her enthusiasm for performance.
Her achievements include High Distinctions across her RAD examinations, culminating in a mark of 96 in Advanced 1 in 2026. She has also been a finalist in the RAD Joan and Monica Halliday and Isobel Anderson Awards for four consecutive years.
Orli particularly enjoys exploring the character and musicality of classical variations, including *La Esmeralda* and Dulcinea from *Don Quixote*.
Her most exciting achievement came following The Australian Ballet School’s Final Audition Week in Melbourne, when she received an offer to join its Level 5 Full-Time Program in 2027.
The news was especially meaningful after years of training at National College of Dance, and she immediately shared her excitement with the teachers who had supported her journey.
Brett Morgan believes her enthusiasm for performance is one of her greatest strengths.
“Orli is the quintessential passionate performer that an audience will fall in love with her artistry as well as her virtuosic talent.”
As she prepares to relocate to Melbourne, Orli is looking forward to new teachers, repertoire, friendships and opportunities to continue developing her artistic voice.
Celebrating the Journey, Not Just the Achievement
What distinguishes the 2026 National Student Star Awards recipients is not simply the impressive collection of scholarships, examination results, competition placings and vocational training offers.
It is the individuality of their journeys.
From the regional studios of Cairns and Newcastle to the professional rehearsal rooms of Melbourne, London and New York, these ten dancers represent the breadth of talent being nurtured throughout Australia’s dance education community.
Their stories also highlight the vital role of teachers and training institutions. Behind each achievement are countless hours of guidance, corrections, encouragement, preparation and care, often extending well beyond the studio.
Through its annual National Student Star Awards, dancetrain is proud to recognise these young artists and the dance schools that continue to support their development.
As the 2026 recipients prepare for new challenges and opportunities, their achievements offer inspiration to young dancers across Australia who are beginning journeys of their own.
The future of Australian dance is already taking shape in today’s studios, and these ten young artists are part of that exciting story.