Winners of RAD USA Dance Challenge

More than 100 dancers competed in the 2016 Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) USA Dance Challenge competitions held in January in Boston, Massachusetts and San Jose, California. Thirty-three soloist competitors participated in the Boston Challenge held at Boston University on January 9 and 10, while 78 candidates presented solo and ensemble pieces at the San Jose competition held on January 16 and 17 at Santa Clara University.

On the first day, the candidates took technique classes and had coaching sessions with the Dance Challenge faculty. On Sunday, the second day, the students warmed up with class and then had a dress rehearsal in the morning. Following this, they performed original dances choreographed by their teachers before a judge and audience in the afternoon. Winners were awarded prizes and trophies in the awards ceremonies held at the conclusion of the competition performances.

In Boston, the Grand Prize Winner of the 2016 RAD Dance Challenge was London Mills of the New England School of Dance. As judged by Christopher Hird, the head of Boston Ballet’s Adult Programming, the other awards went to: Gabrielle Gallant of the Londonderry Dance Academy (Level 1); Kathryn Rolon of Dance Design School (Level 2); Paris Mills of the New England School of Dance (Level 3); and Julia Kilmister, also of the New England School of Dance (Level 4).

In San Jose, the Grand Prize Winner of the 2016 RAD Dance Challenge was Claire Werner of Rachel’s Ballet. As judged by Graham Lustig, the artistic director of Oakland Ballet Company, the other awards went to: Edward Tang of Rachel’s Ballet (Level 1); Katerina Nierotka of Rachel’s Ballet (Level 2); Melanie Labs of June Taylor’s School of Dance (Level 3); and Claire Wu, also of Rachel’s Ballet (Level 4).

For further information on RAD USA, visit www.radusa.org.

Photo (top): RAD Dance Challenge 2016 Boston Winners. Photo (left): RAD Dance Challenge 2016 San Jose Winners. Photos courtesy of RAD.