Having performed the Flames of Paris pas de deux with fellow finalist Rentaro Nakaaki, and Untitled Code, a solo choreographed by Rambert dancer Miguel Altunaga, Julia Conway was announced as the winner on stage at Sadler’s Wells by our Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo. The annual competition was also live streamed to audiences around the world.
“I’m really surprised and honoured to be chosen as the 2019 Emerging Dancer. I think we’re all winners in the end just for being voted as finalists and to have been given the opportunity to perform this evening.
“I want to say a big thank you to my mentors, I couldn’t have done any of this without them. They helped me mentally overcome challenges as well as physically prepare me for the evening. The choreographer for my solo, Miguel Altunaga, pushed me and we achieved something amazing, I’m just so proud.
“My mum was in the audience and my sister tuned into the live stream, it’s lovely to be able to share this moment with them.”
No question they are all incredible but Julia has that extra technical and artistic quality for me.Steve (on Facebook)
OMG Julia is amazing!Josué (on YouTube)
Julia was best woman by far, she made both the duet and solos look easy and great stage presenceLolly (on Facebook)
Julia won me over with not just her obvious talent but mostly her sheer exuberance and joy in what she was doing and her ability to share that with her audience. Well done and verywell deserved 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻😊
— Chris Baker (@ChrisBtheArtist) May 8, 2019
The evening also saw Eireen Evrard named as the recipient of the Corps de Ballet Award acknowledging her exceptional work over the last year, while Rhys Antoni Yeomans was awarded the People’s Choice Award, as voted for by members of the public.
“I’m so surprised to receive this award, it means an incredible amount that the public have been voting throughout the year and have appreciated my work this season. It really is going to spur me on for the next season and I can’t thank everyone enough.”
“I’m shocked but so happy, I had no idea! It means a lot – the corps de ballet work so hard, every single show, and sometimes it’s hard to keep yourself going through the long runs, so this award is a great acknowledgement of that commitment and I’m so happy to receive this year.”
Celebrating 10 years, Emerging Dancer allows us to recognise the excellence of our artists. Julia Conway was selected as the winner by an esteemed panel of judges: joining our Artistic Director Tamara Rojo on the judging panel was Sarah Wildor, Mavin Khoo, Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, Gerald Dowler and Michael Coleman.
“They are all winners because they all progressed so much during the process of Emerging Dancer, but I feel what set Julia apart is the security she had on stage. Both in the classical work and the contemporary – she seemed to have a presence beyond her years. The decision from the panel was unanimous, and much deserved – congratulations to Julia.”
The other finalists this year were Alice Bellini, Emilia Cadorin, Rentaro Nakaaki, Shale Wagman and Rhys Antoni Yeomans. They all gave such phenomenal performances – congratulations to them all for the hard work they put in!
I’d say that all 6 are pretty well-matched this year in terms of technique and artistry.Emma (on Facebook)
These two [Julia and Rentaro] were fantastic separately and together! Bravo!Victoria (on YouTube)
He’s just incredible!!! Rentaro for the win!!Nicole (on Facebook)
Great jumps from Shale & pointe work from Alice!Anne (on Facebook)
Bravissima AliceLucia (on Facebook)
Shale is special. I predict him the winner.Icarrus (on YouTube)
They [Emilia and Rhys] are in osmose, a beautiful coupleChristine (on Facebook)
Emilia is just so beautiful!!! I could watch her dance for days without feeling bored!Froso (on Facebook)
Great technique Rhys!Irena (on Facebook)
Before the winners were announced, Daniel McCormick, the winner of the 2018 Emerging Dancer Award, performed the Act III pas de deux from Don Quixote with Francesca Velicu. Their performance also ignited the audience!
Gorgeous partnership.Margo (on Facebook)
Wow, am really impressed with Dan’s technique considering he seems so young. holds up to Francesca beautifullyFlorence (on YouTube)