Outstanding Dance Achievements
We are incredibly proud of our talented dancers who recently represented The McDonald College at the prestigious RAD Joan & Monica Halliday Awards and the Isobel Anderson Awards. Across several weeks of preliminary classes, semi-finals and finals, our students demonstrated exceptional dedication, artistry and professionalism.
The Halliday Preliminary Classes were held from 8–10 March, followed by Semi-finals on 11 March, with the Finals taking place on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Seymour Centre. The Isobel Anderson Awards began with Preliminary Classes from 16–19 March and Semi-finals on 20 March, alongside a special Commissioned Choreography Workshop with Bangarra dancer Rikki Mason on 22 March. The IAA Finals were held on Sunday 29 March at the Seymour Centre.
We are delighted to recognise our students who progressed through the rounds:
Halliday Semi-finalists
Grade 3: Effie, Jayde & Eden
Grade 4: Paige, Francesco, Eve, Jacinta, Olivia & Elliott
Grade 5: Cynthia & Abigail
Halliday Finalists
Effie, Olivia, Elliott & Abigail
IAA Semi-finalists
Intermediate Foundation: Mason, Sofia & Olivia
Intermediate: Yuna, Natalia, Imogen & Sharon
Advanced Foundation: Allegra, Oliver, Matilda, Alice, Piper & Danielle
IAA Finalists
Olivia
Yuna & Imogen
Allegra, Oliver, Matilda, Alice & Danielle
We also celebrate the following outstanding results:
- Olivia – Joan & Monica Halliday Award Commissioned Choreography Prize Winner
- Elliott – Grade 4 Bloch Encouragement Award
- Yuna – Intermediate Bloch Encouragement Award
- Oliver – Advanced Foundation Bloch Encouragement Award
These achievements reflect not only talent, but the commitment, resilience and passion each student brings to their training. From the early rounds through to the finals, our dancers performed with confidence and artistry, representing the College with pride.
We congratulate every student involved. Your hard work and dedication continue to inspire our community, and we are immensely proud of all you have accomplished.
