A sell-out house cheered on the finalists of this year’s Fast+Fresh Dance festival at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta last Saturday night.
Fifteen finalists chosen by expert judges and an audience-voted People’s Choice winner competed for rich prizes including theatre tickets, produts, photography sessions, industry classes, mentorships and ongoing performance opportunities.
The winners – announced by Artistic Director Olivia Ansell (picture attached) were:
- Outstanding Female Dancer – Natasha Kay Newling (Cronulla – from the Ev + Bow Dance Studio) for “My Body and Me”
- Outstanding Male Dancer – Josh Denyer (Hornsby, from the Capital Dance Studio) for “Shut Up and let me Go”, choreog Cameron Beard (Pennant Hills).
- The People’s Choice – “Green” choreog Sarah Worthington, North Shore Dance Academy, St Ives
- Best New Talent – Alyssa Skye Mahony (Warriewood… and Drummoyne’s Wesley Institute) for ” Alter Ego”
- Outstanding Choreographer – Brandon Attui (Peakhurst and Aust Institute of Performing Arts High, Harris Park) for “Shifted Gears”
- You Move Dance Company mentorships: Natasha Kay Newling and Brandon Attui (see above)
- Sydney Festival Deckchair Flicks at Riverside performance opportunity: Capital Dance Studios, Hornsby for “Shut Up and Let Me Go” Choreog. Cameron Beard, Pennant Hills)
- Casula Powerhouse Unique Performance Opportunity: “Bust a Move” by Freeman Catholic College trio Melvin Bautista (choreog), Matthew Mina and France Sawa. (Bonnyrigg, Green Valley, Cecil Hills)
