Life after Radford: Soraya Sullivan (Class of 2024)

Soraya began dancing at the age of three, and after more than sixteen years of dedication, discipline and perseverance, she achieved a remarkable milestone, being selected as one of just fifteen female students from 1,500 applicants worldwide to train at the English National Ballet School in London.

 During her time at Radford, she also trained and competed with RDA, experiences that helped shape both her technical foundations and her passion for performance before commencing full-time ballet training.

Soraya’s training in Australia, across Canberra, Sydney and Perth, often exceeded 30 hours per week. She has been competing since the age of four and throughout her journey has achieved numerous prestigious accolades. These include selection for the Australian Ballet School ITP, winning the Cecchetti Medal and the Betsy Sawers Award, receiving multiple YAGP scholarships, becoming a 2021 YAGP finalist, a RAD bursary finalist for the ACT, and a Fonteyn semi-finalist. She was also offered full-time training positions at Houston Ballet School, Dutch National Ballet School and The Bolshoi Ballet School.

While ballet has been a deeply rewarding journey, it has also demanded significant resilience. Balancing the pressures of growing up while training as a full-time athlete and artist required strong self-discipline and self-awareness. One of Soraya’s most defining challenges came when she tore her meniscus and required surgery, an injury that left her questioning whether she would ever return to the stage.

Rather than ending her career, the setback became a turning point. Soraya used the experience to rebuild both physically and mentally, returning to the studio each day with renewed determination. Following her recovery, she was offered places at The Queensland Ballet School, reached the final audition for The Australian Ballet School, and ultimately achieved her long-held dream of training at the English National Ballet School.

From the moment she arrived in London, Soraya felt confident she was exactly where she belonged. She has embraced every opportunity to learn from world-class tutors and artists, while navigating the challenges of living and training overseas. After moving to London, Soraya was diagnosed with ADHD, a discovery that brought clarity and understanding. With the right support, she experienced significant growth in her focus, confidence and professionalism, a transformation recognised by her teachers and mentors.

During her time in London, Soraya has performed in showcases and productions with the English National Ballet Company and has had the opportunity to dance at the Royal Opera House for coaching sessions, experiences that have further shaped her development as an artist.

While in Canberra, Soraya also taught and trained many Radford College students through RDA.

Soraya is now approaching her final year of training before beginning her professional career as a ballet dancer. She reflects on her journey with gratitude for the support she has received and pride in the resilience that has carried her forward.

She hopes her journey encourages young dancers to recognise the privilege of being part of such a powerful art form and to believe in their ability to pursue their ambitions with courage and commitment.

Fun fact: Soraya’s mum is also a Radford Collegian, Nadia Trewin (Class of 1991).

Photos: Supplied.