Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala 2025

Published in Print September 2025 order now!

view photos | Junior
view photos | Senior
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By Viktoria Rosek

The Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Scholarship Gala remains a hallmark event on the national dance calendar, honouring not only the highest levels of technical excellence but also artistry, perseverance, and community among Australia’s most promising young ballet dancers. Held at the iconic Sydney Opera House, the 2025 Gala was an evening of powerful performances, meaningful connections, and career-launching opportunities.

The Scholarship Finals brought together an extraordinary field of dancers in both the Junior and Senior divisions, each presenting a classical and contemporary solo before a live audience and elite adjudication panel. With consistent polish and deep emotional commitment, the dancers collectively raised the standard of what youth ballet can achieve.

Overseeing the Senior division were three of the industry’s most respected voices: Stanton Welch AM, Artistic Director of Houston Ballet; Christian Tàtchev, Director of Queensland Ballet Academy; and Megan Connelly, Artistic Director and Head of School at The Australian Ballet School. Their collective expertise in choreography, dancer development, and global performance standards brought depth and rigour to the adjudication process. In the Junior division, adjudicators Dr Chiara Ajkun, Jennifer Sommers, and Slava Tutukin offered international insights shaped by decades of performance, education, and production.

From the opening moments, it was clear that this year’s finalists possessed a rare combination of refined artistry, technical strength, and performance maturity. Jessica Cooper’s serene portrayal of Aurora’s Birthday from Sleeping Beauty earned her the Terri Charlesworth OAM Artistry Award, while Benjamin Groen brought thrilling presence and precision to his Dancer’s Own: Percutio and was selected for the Houston Ballet Academy placement. Isla Clark impressed with the maturity of her original solo Revolt, and Samuel Gillespie delivered heartfelt, disciplined performances that marked a pivotal point in his artistic growth—earning him opportunities with both The Australian Ballet School and Queensland Ballet Academy.

In the Senior division, Yve-Noelle Bollinger captivated the audience with her luminous performance of Walpurgisnacht from Faust, earning her the Senior Ballet Scholarship First Place. Her dancing was a study in grace and power, drawing heartfelt applause from all corners of the theatre. Reflecting on the moment, Yve-Noelle shared, “It came at a really good time, especially as I’m heading to San Francisco Ballet School this September. This scholarship really feels like a launchpad for my career. And the financial support will help a lot – ballet is expensive, especially when you’re moving overseas.”

Her advice to younger dancers? “If you truly love the artform and show that joy and passion on stage, that will take you far.” She added, “Even if only one judge believes in you and a hundred others don’t, that one person can make all the difference. Keep showing up. It will work out in the end.”

She spoke openly about her resilience: “I’ve learned that everything is subjective. One person’s opinion doesn’t define your worth or talent. The more competitions and experiences you have, the better you get at bouncing back.” And on calming nerves: “I take a moment to breathe and just stay calm. I remind myself that the outcome doesn’t define me.”

The camaraderie backstage, she said, made a difference: “It made it feel more like a performance than a competition.” A highlight of her preparation came during a masterclass: “Christian Tàtchev said that you can be one of the best dancers in an audition but still not be chosen because you’re not what the director is looking for. That really stayed with me.”

Yve-Noelle wasn’t the only Bollinger making an impact. Her mother and teacher Amanda Bollinger said, “She’s been in the studio since before she was born. But she wasn’t born with every natural gift. Watching her reach this level through sheer determination, passion, and love for the artform — it’s incredibly rewarding.” Amanda added, “She’s completely ready to go out into the world on her own now… but being the daughter of the studio director is not always easy”

Second place in the Senior division went to Oscar Taggart of Alegria Dance Studios. “It was such a great opportunity to perform on a professional stage – and of course, winning some prize money helps too,” he said. “Ballet is expensive, and not everyone comes from a wealthy background, so the financial support means a lot.” Oscar was also awarded scholarships to La Scala Ballet School, The Australian Ballet School, and Queensland Ballet Academy.

Oscar’s growth since placing as a Junior finalist in 2024 was evident: “There’s definitely a big difference. As a Senior, the pressure is much higher – you’re trying to get into a school, into a company.” He credited his mum as his biggest supporter: “She works so hard every day to help me follow this path.” Looking ahead, he said, “Hopefully, I’ll be a Principal dancer with a well-known company… performing big roles and making a name for myself.”

The Junior division was equally inspiring. Lewis Nicholson (Nova City Ballet, formerly National College of Dance) earned First Place and secured placements with Ajkun Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet Academy, and The Australian Ballet School. Jiaze Yu (Tanya Pearson Academy) placed Second and was similarly recognised with invitations to Queensland Ballet Academy and the Houston program.

The depth of talent in the Junior division also saw Alexandra Pupovac (Robyn Kirkland School of Ballet) receive the Capezio Most Promising Dancer Award, and Sarah Reedman (Alegria Dance Studios) awarded the Christine Walsh Ballet Conservatorium Award. Xirui Xu (Queensland Dance Centre), Poppy Hayes (Expressions Ballet Academy), Angus Fraser (Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy), Femka Murphy Vormer (Classical Coaching Australia), and India Rose Macé (Dance North Academy) also earned training opportunities across The Australian Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy, Queensland Ballet Academy, Ajkun Ballet Theatre, and the Russian Masters Ballet Workshop.

The spirit of the evening was perfectly encapsulated by the guest performances from Ballet Collective Australia, who showcased two remarkable group works that embodied both talent and unity. The junior ensemble, performing Echoes of Tomorrow by Claire Voss, displayed impressive clarity and cohesion, particularly after just three days of rehearsal. Meanwhile, the senior ensemble delivered Foot Soldiers and Generals by Liam Blair with remarkable strength and precision, bringing a commanding conclusion to a night that celebrated not only performance but also the boundless potential of these emerging artists. This event offered an exceptional opportunity for dancers to come together in a company-style setting, celebrating the artistry of collaboration.

Ballet Collective Australia is an innovative dance company committed to nurturing the next generation of talented young dancers across the country. Blending classical ballet with contemporary influences, the company provides student dancers with a unique platform to refine their technique, expand their artistry, and collaborate with some of Australia’s leading choreographers and performers. With a strong emphasis on professional development, performance opportunities, and creative exploration, Ballet Collective Australia serves as an inspiring and dynamic environment for dancers looking to elevate their craft and pursue a career in the arts.

Whether based in metropolitan areas or regional communities, joining Ballet Collective Australia opens doors to world-class training, exposure, and networking within the Australian dance industry. The company encourages students to apply, experience rigorous training, and showcase their talents through performances, masterclasses, and mentorship opportunities. Ballet Collective Australia is the ideal stepping stone for young dancers eager to reach their full potential and take their training to new heights.

The 2025 Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala was not simply a competition. It was a mirror held up to the future of ballet in Australia — a future filled with resilience, generosity, connection, and joy.

Sydney Eisteddfod
Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy
Alegria Dance Studios
National College of Dance
Dance North Academy