The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is delighted to announce the outstanding recipients of the 2025 Diana de Vos Awards, held on Sunday 16 November at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
This annual event brought together more than 100 young dancers from Grade 3 through to Advanced 2, celebrating their commitment, artistry, and passion for ballet. The day highlighted not only the talent of Western Australia’s emerging performers but also the dedication of teachers, families, and the wider dance community.
National Director Shelley Yacopetti reflected on the significance of the event, saying, “Congratulations to all involved in the 2025 Diana de Vos Awards. The day was a truly wonderful celebration of talent, artistry and passion, shining through in every performance. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of RAD dancers and their teachers – your accomplishments inspire the entire RAD community.”
The morning saw Grade 3 to Intermediate dancers participate in a set syllabus class, while Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2 students took part in a dynamic open class. The Academy extends its sincere thanks to class teachers Nicole Ostler and Rebekah Conry for their beautifully delivered classes and for fostering an encouraging and supportive atmosphere for all participants.
From these classes, adjudicators Brooke Jacobs and Danielle Heywood selected finalists to perform their syllabus dance or variation in the afternoon finals. A total of 41 students took to the space, performing for an enthusiastic audience of teachers, friends, and families.
Adjudicator Danielle Heywood shared her experience: “It was my pleasure to adjudicate for the Diana de Vos Awards 2025 and witness the abundance of emerging talent in WA. My congratulations to all the RAD staff and volunteers who made the day run so smoothly!”
Adjudicator Brooke Jacobs added, “It was an honour to see so many gifted young dancers throughout the day. Their maturity, resilience, and exceptional artistry were inspiring, and they give great promise to the future of ballet in WA.”
The finals were adjudicated by Diana de Vos OAM, Danielle Heywood, and Brooke Jacobs, who awarded prizes across each grade, along with artistic awards and overall titles. The event was MC’d by Philippa Lynas, Regional Manager for SA, WA & NT, and featured remarks from National Director Shelley Yacopetti, making the day a true celebration of Western Australian dance excellence.
This year also marked a significant moment as it was the final time the event would be held in the current WAAPA building, an iconic campus that has hosted countless RAD events and contributed to the artistic journeys of many within the WA dance community.
A heartfelt thank you goes to adjudicators Brooke Jacobs and Danielle Heywood for their generous feedback and encouragement, and to Diana de Vos, a pioneering figure in ballet in Western Australia and internationally whose lifelong dedication to dance and to the Academy continues to shape and inspire generations of dancers.
RAD Australia also acknowledges our valued event sponsors Bloch and Energetiks for their ongoing support, as well as the Western Australian Regional Advisory Panel for their commitment and on-the-ground assistance in bringing this event to life.
2025 Diana de Vos Awards Winners
Grade 3
Winner: Aurora Keating – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Olivia Rebello – Ignite Dance WA
Grade 4
Winner: Ava Hort – Gail Meade School of Dance
Runner-Up: Ruby Cowin – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Grade 5
Winner: Keira Clayton – Ignite Dance WA
Runner-Up: Asia Obales – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Grade 6/7
Winner: Shelby McAuliffe – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Ciera Carter – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Intermediate Foundation
Winner: Phoebe Chee – Silhouette Dance Studio
Runner-Up: Anna Spencer – Silhouette Dance Studio
Intermediate
Winner: Makai Lewis-Rees – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Shelby McAuliffe – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Advanced Foundation
Winner: Bree Stobie – SutuBallet Coaching
Runner-Up: Annah Maria Chapman – Ignite Dance WA
Advanced 1
Winner: Haruku Hoshi – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Chloe Male – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Advanced 2
Winner: Marley Peters – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Runner-Up: Preston Shean – John Curtin College of the Arts
Artistic Awards
Grade 3–5 Artistic Award: Isaac Rapi-Beddall – Ellenbrook Ballet Academy
Grade 6–7 Artistic Award: Makai Lewis-Rees – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
INTF & INT Artistic Award: Dewi Wiasa – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Advanced Foundation / Advanced 1 / Advanced 2 Artistic Award: Ella Teh – SutuBallet Coaching
Overall Awards
Overall Junior Winner: Shelby McAuliffe – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
Overall Senior Winner: Haruku Hoshi – Perth Classical and Contemporary Coaching
