Australian Institute of Classical Dance presents New Zealand School of Dance Scholarships
VCASS | 16th June
Dani Brown, the editor and specialist dance photographer for dancetrain magazine, travels across the country to capture and review student events, competitions, awards, and scholarships. Many of the images from these galleries are featured in print, preserving the magic of the moment for years to come—a cherished keepsake that dancers value well into adulthood.
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REVIEWS | RESULTS
published in print: September 2024
On June 16th, 40 talented students gathered to compete in this prestigious event. The adjudicator, Amy Harris, a former principal artist with The Australian Ballet, brought both grace and wisdom to the occasion. Having retired in 2023 after an illustrious 22-year career, Amy graciously spent time with each dancer who approached her after the results were announced, offering personalised advice and encouragement. This generosity reflects the spirit of accomplished artists who continue to give back to the next generation. Renowned ballet master Adam Thurlow also played a crucial role, expertly guiding the competitors through an on-stage class accompanied by a live pianist.
Alicia Wong from VCASS was declared the outright winner, while Philippa Richardson from Ballet Theatre Australia took home the runner-up position, and Isabella Brown from Kerry Moore School of Ballet closely followed in third place
Adjudicator Amy Harris offered this advice to the competitors: “In classwork, go for it—push for those two pirouettes. You don’t need to do more than two, but make sure they’re beautiful. Keep reminding yourself to stay calm, but also add a bit more attack. That will help make your pirouettes smoother and your balances easier, allowing you to breathe a bit more. Thank you all—it was wonderful to see you start exploring and playing with your movements more, rather than staying too stiff.”
Amy explained why she chose Alicia Wong from VCASS as the winner: “For me, it was clear through both her class and performance. She carried herself with such confidence and poise, and there was a noticeable maturity about her. When performing something as challenging as Black Swan, you need that extra something special, and she had it. She really stood out from the rest. Watching her brought me so much joy—I was completely drawn into her performance.”
Alicia Wong from VCASS shared her feelings about being announced as the NZSD Winner for 2024: “It means a lot to me. This is the last competition I’ll be doing as a student here in Australia. I’ve been participating in AICD competitions since I was 11, and now, at 16, it’s really nice to have this full-circle moment.”
Alicia also spoke about how her time at VCASS has contributed to her growth as an artist: “Dancing every day definitely plays a big role. I love dancing in these beautiful studios, and I think it’s important to be an intelligent dancer. I’m still finishing my VCE and getting my ATAR, and I believe that being a smart dancer helps you make the right decisions in various scenarios, whether in dance competitions or life in general.”
At just 16 years old, Alicia is an impressive and mature artist in her final year at VCASS, already well on her way to a successful career in ballet. She shared how finishing school with her cohort has enriched her experience: “I’m young for my grade, so it’s nice to finish Year 12 with my peers. I even had my Year 12 formal a couple of weeks ago. Growing with these people has been really special, and it’s always nice to welcome new students and expand friendships.”
Alicia offers advice to other dancers who want to continue their academic studies alongside elite dance training: “Love what you do every day and be very grateful for it. I’ve had the perfect opportunity to continue my academic studies, and I really value that. Being able to learn has so many benefits in the dance world. For example, I had the opportunity to work with Paul Knobloch last year as a lead principal couple in Conversations, which premiered at Malthouse Theatre. My advice is to always keep your options open—options are a luxury. So, do as much as possible and keep all those doors open.”
In addition to ballet, Alicia has excelled in musical theatre, performing the lead role in Mary Poppins during her studies at VCASS. She reflected on these experiences: “Singing and performing in musical theatre is another world you can easily slip into. Ballet has my heart, but my teachers have great industry connections that have allowed me to work with amazing professionals. For example, my singing teacher, who isn’t at VCASS, is an incredible coach for current musical theatre performers. Thanks to my teachers’ connections, I’ve been able to access these opportunities.”
The Australian Institute of Classical Dance, New Zealand School of Dance Scholarships for 2024 showcased a remarkable display of talent and dedication. The event highlighted the exceptional abilities of young dancers but also honoured the generous mentorship of seasoned professionals like Amy Harris and Adam Thurlow. With Alicia Wong emerging as the standout winner, the competition underscored the importance of both technical skill and artistic expression. Alicia’s journey, from her early start in AICD competitions to her current achievements, serves as an inspiring example for future generations of dancers. The event reaffirmed the value of blending rigorous training with academic pursuits, and it celebrated the enriching experiences that come from pursuing one’s passion with dedication and an open mind. As these talented individuals continue their dance journeys, the support and insights from such a prestigious event will undoubtedly guide and inspire their future endeavours.
