Gerringong’s 11-year-old ballet prodigy, Angel Divine, was just one of 12 dancers in her category recently selected to perform in front of hundreds at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Joan & Monica Halliday Awards at the Seymour Centre in Sydney.

Angel, who trains at Gerringong Ballet & Dance, competed in the finals of the prestigious competition on April 6.

Melissa Prestedge, principal of Gerringong Ballet & Dance and a Registered RAD Teacher for 30 years, says it’s a remarkable achievement.

“As far as I know, no one from Gerringong has0 ever gotten that far in the competition. I’ve had the school for 10 years, and I’ve never seen it happen - so it’s a huge honour for our studio,” says Prestedge.

Angel’s journey to the finals was no small feat. After receiving a High Distinction in her Grade 5 RAD Examination, she was invited to enter the Joan & Monica Halliday Awards.

She attended a preliminary class and was selected to move on to the semi-final. From there, adjudicator Midori Lotz - from the Australian Ballet School and Houston Ballet - chose Angel as one of only 12 finalists.

Michelle Prestedge, Principal of Gerringong Ballet & Dance. Source: Winkipop Media

“It was such an amazing experience for her,” says Prestedge.

 “We were just honoured she got that far. Most of the students who enter come from Sydney, the North Shore, or Newcastle, so it was really special to see a child from Gerringong recognised at that level.”

In the finals, Angel performed a contemporary piece choreographed by Rikki Mason of Bangarra Dance Theatre, as well as her RAD Grade 5 solo, Bird Dance.

The event was attended by RAD-registered teachers from across NSW, along with Angel’s own teachers from Gerringong Ballet & Dance - and her biggest fans, her Nan and Aunty.

“Angel has a natural ability, stage presence, artistry, and musicality,” says Prestedge. 

“She’s the kind of dancer you’re drawn to watch - and that’s a rare quality. Of course, you also need technical skill, and this was a great opportunity for her to perform alongside Sydney students who likely train many more hours than she does.”

Angel performing at Seymour Centre. Source: Winkiepop Media

While ballet is a centuries-old art form, Prestedge believes it remains as relevant as ever.

“We also teach jazz, contemporary, tumbling, and performance groups - but ballet provides the foundation.

"It gives you strength, core control, discipline, and technique to support all the other styles,” she says.

Looking ahead, Angel is committed to continuing her RAD examinations and hopes to complete up to Advanced 1.

She also has her sights set on the RAD Isobel Anderson Awards in 2026.

“I can’t wait to see what she does next,” says Prestedge. “With her strong ballet technique, long limbs, and beautiful lines, she’s an exquisite dancer.”