Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala
Sydney Opera House | 21st July
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Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala Australian Youth Ballet performs Vaije de Sueños
Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala Robert and Elizabeth Albert Award Junior Ballet
Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala Senior
REVIEWS | RESULTS
published in print: September 2024
The 2024 Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala, held at the prestigious Sydney Opera House on 21st July, was a celebration of grace, skill, and unwavering dedication as 16 young dancers from across Australia competed for highly coveted scholarships.
This event not only highlighted the burgeoning talent within the ballet world but also underscored the transformative power of artistry and resilience on stage.
The Gala began with 16 finalists, divided into two age groups, taking the Concert Hall stage. These dancers, carefully selected from a pool of exceptional candidates, captivated both the live audience and a panel of distinguished adjudicators. Among the judges were esteemed figures such as Leanne Benjamin, Stanton Welch AM, Christian Tàtchev, Slava Tutukin, and Lynette Wills.
A particularly moving moment of the evening was the Guest Performance by Jessica Fyfe, Principal of the Scottish Ballet, who captivated the audience with her renditions of the Cinders Ball Variation from Cinderella, choreographed by Christopher Hanson, and the Odette Variation from Swan Lake, choreographed by David Dawson. The audience was also treated to an exceptional piece choreographed by Xanthe Geeves for The Australian Youth Ballet. This collaboration was made possible by a gifted music score from composer Daniel Rojas to Sydney Eisteddfod. The resulting composition, titled Viaje de Sueños, was performed by Rojas on piano alongside the Sydney Eisteddfod String Quartet and dancers from the Australian Youth Ballet, adding a rich layer of artistic depth to the Gala’s repertoire.
In an interview with choreographer Xanthe Geeves of the Australian Youth Ballet, she reflected on the significance of including regional dancers in the event. “It was really important to provide the opportunity for regional dancers to participate and perform at the Sydney Opera House with live musicians for this exciting event,” she explained. “Regional dancers rarely have the opportunity to be part of a project that offers a professional collaborative process involving choreographers, composers, musicians, and dancers from all over NSW. It was a joy to work with these passionate dancers who were appreciative of the whole experience.”
Geeves also shared her thoughts on seeing dancers from across the state come together in such a meaningful way. “This project was a dream collaboration from the beginning to the performance on stage. The dancers were phenomenal in their approach to the project, not only learning the choreography and working with live musicians but also performing with such passion and vibrant artistry. The rehearsal environment was always so positive and fun, where all dancers not only enjoyed the process but made friends for life.”
She expressed immense pride in the dancers, saying, “I am so proud of each and every one of them for their professionalism and stunning performance quality.”
Commenting on the complexity of the music and the dancers’ adaptability, Geeves added, “The young artists immediately responded to the upbeat nature of the music, which had strong undercurrents of Latin American rhythms. This brought cohesion to the ensemble and infused the learning process with positive energy. The dancers instinctively found the dynamics, and sometimes quirky moments, conducive to expressing the music. My choreography was intricate, as was the music, but it was a celebration of dance, and they all rose to the challenge.”
As each of the Ballet finalists took to the stage, one standout performance came from Georgia Lorange of Tamborine Mountain Dance Academy, QLD. She emerged victorious in the Senior category, her emotive rendition earning her not only the Senior Ballet Scholarship but also widespread acclaim. Reflecting on her win, she shared, “Honestly, it feels so incredible to have won tonight. My parents have invested so much time and money into supporting me, so this win means a lot to both me and them.
“In the Junior category, Elih Egan from Stockton’s Bella Ballerinas, NSW, was awarded the Robert and Elizabeth Albert Junior Ballet Scholarship. His joy was evident at the after-party celebrations, where he stated, “It feels like everything I’ve ever worked towards has paid off.”
The Gala also honoured several other exceptional dancers. Lila McGrath from Classical Coaching Australia, QLD, received the Tanya Pearson Memorial Award for her outstanding artistry and stagecraft. Freya Wild from Alegria Dance Studios and L’Academie, NSW, claimed the Australian Conservatoire of Classical Ballet Award, while Lewis Nicholson from the National College of Dance received the Capezio Gift Certificate for his achievements across multiple dance events.
Reflecting on the adjudication process, Lynette Wills acknowledged the difficulty of selecting winners amid such a wealth of emerging talent. She noted, “There’s a difference between passion, raw talent, and developed talent. That’s why it was so difficult to decide, and why it took us so long.”
Slava Tutukin echoed these sentiments, particularly praising the strong technique displayed by male dancers in both classical and contemporary genres. He emphasised the importance of diversity in contemporary dance, urging for a clearer distinction from lyrical styles to better showcase artistic expression and innovation.
As the curtains closed on another successful Sydney Eisteddfod Ballet Gala, the legacy of these young dancers continues to inspire future generations. Lynette Wills offered sage advice to aspiring competitors, encouraging them to, “Be brave and be clean. Clean steps are better than tricky ones, and it’s important to be age-appropriate. Show us what you can do right now. You don’t need to be a professional yet; just perform at the level you’re at and showcase your current abilities.”
SENIOR RESULTS
FIRST
Georgia Lorange from Tamborine Mountain Dance Academy, QLD
Awarded $18,000 ($3,000 cash plus a $15,000 Scholarship)
SECOND
Tahlia Szumowski from Promenade Dance Studio, QLD
Awarded $10,000 ($2,000 cash plus an $8,000 Scholarship)
FINALISTS: Senior 16-19 years
Lila McGrath from Classical Coaching Australia, QLD
Freya Wild from Alegria Dance Studios and L’Academie, NSW
Pelagia Karakontis from The Dance Spot, NSW
Charlie Carberry from Dance North Academy, NSW
Ernesto Young from Alegria Dance Studios, NSW
Nicholas Chan from Tanya Pearson Academy, NSW
Robert and Elizabeth Albert Junior Ballet Scholarship
JUNIOR RESULTS
FIRST
Elih Egan from Stockton’s Bella Ballerinas, NSW
Awarded $7,000 ($1,000 cash, plus a Scholarship of $6,000)
SECOND
Oscar Taggart from Alegria Dance Studio, NSW
Awarded $1,500
FINALISTS: Junior 14-15 years
Leni Howlett from Kerry Moore School of Ballet, VIC
Ryan Keo from National College of Dance, NSW
Scarlett Weaver from Dance North Academy, NSW
Charlie Duwner from Newcastle Dance Academy, NSW
Aspen Edwards from Expressions Ballet Academy, VIC
Benjamin Groen from Papilio Atelier, Auckland, NZ
In conclusion, the Gala not only celebrated achievement but also reinforced the transformative power of dedication and passion in the art of ballet. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of these young dancers as they continue to push boundaries and redefine excellence in the dance world. This remarkable evening, set against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, reminds us all of the power of artistic expression to transcend boundaries and inspire greatness.