Anthony Hurley Reports on the Freedom to Dance Outside Change Cup

Plaza Ballroom Melbourne Australia Saturday June 6th 2026.

The traditional Friday cocktail party in the Westin Hotel gave organisers Jason Beaman, Brent Olifent and Anna Longmore the opportunity to welcome us all to the ninth presentation of this prestigious competition.

Such is the popularity of the Freedom to Dance Outside Change Cup; it is not surprising that it enjoys wonderful sponsorship from many individual friends and companies. Notably Julie Shen, Lorraine Pickvance, Miyi Amanda Chong, Helen Gordon, Regina Wong and Pao Na Na. Support is also appreciated from Dancesport Victoria and Dancesport New South Wales.

Saturday morning, the lovely Plaza Ballroom soon filled up with an eager audience in anticipation of the qualifying rounds, supporting and enjoying their favorites.

The successful competitors are the lucky recipients of wonderful prize monies, the largest being $10,000 donated by Dancesurance to the highest placed couple in the Open Amateur Ballroom. This year the lucky couple were Lucien Maart & Chelsea Moores from Western Australia.

There was the usual international flavour with couples from China, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, New Zealand, and the USA, plus an Australian representation from five states.

The three styles, namely Australian New Vogue, Ballroom, and Latin American, enjoyed good entries.

Twenty-two adjudicators were engaged, six international and sixteen Australian. Under the chairmanship of Dr Adele Hyland AM.

The popular MC’s Laurie & Dianne got the very early start underway, which was necessary to adjudicate the many grades in all three styles, culminating in the Open Championships.

The large daytime audience enjoyed supporting their favourite couples, especially those of the international calibre.

This year was rather unique in that three of the invited overseas couples were finalists in the recent Centenary British Championships in Blackpool the week before.

Petar Daskalov & Zia James from the UK. Professional Latin American

Philip Jianan Peng & Joanne Jiaci Zhong. China. Professional Ballroom.

Andrei Toader & Mia Linnik-Holden. Amateur Ballroom.

Perhaps it was not surprising that the OCC adjudicators awarded them all with first places in their respective events.

The afternoon qualifying rounds and some of the finals were completed by 4.30 pm as the ballroom had to be prepared for the Freedom to Dance Gala Ball and Dinner and major finals.

Every year, when one re enters the ballroom in the evening, it is still amazing how the Plaza staff have transformed it into a wonderland of subdued lighting complemented by Plaza's chandliers and beautifully prepared tables for the traditional dinner. As one enters you are greeted with wine waiters offering a choice of wines.

The evening commenced with the introduction of all the adjudicators. This was followed by the much-awaited showcase by the amazing Julie Shen from Singapore, partnered as always by Jason Beaman. Julie is a long-time supporter of the OCC and a generous sponsor.

The finals and showcases were served between courses of the delicious menu.

The first final Adult Open New Vogue over five test dances.

Sponsored by NY Fashion.

1st. Cameron May & Paula Thompson. First in all five dances.

2nd. Connor Rutland & Grierson/ Ruby Brodin.

3rd. Reece Rutland-Grierson & Imogen Clark

4th. Corey Stemp & Timeah Logie

5th. Mathew McMahon & Katie Moores.

6th. Sandeep Pigera & Emma Learmonth.

Adult Open Latin American.

Sponsored by Regina Wong & Pao Na Na.

1st. Erik Soriano & Anda Wong. NSW 1 2 1 1 1

2nd. Tristen Chilman & Claire Keophonexay. NSW 2 1 2 2 2.

3rd. Kevin Miller & Claudia Stergiou. VIC. 3 4 3 3 3.

4th. Justin Rafol& Renee Haggar. VIC. 5 3 4 4 4.

5th. Jack Koriaki & Naduni Piyasena. VIC. 4 5 5 5 4.

6th. Samual Brown & Charliuse Phillips. QLD. 6 6 6 6 6.

Professional Ballroom.

Sponsored by the Chong Gordon Family.

1st. Philip Jianan Peng & Joanne Jiaci Zhong. China

Fresh from their British Professional success, they dominated this final with excellent dancing. They are a very compact couple with good fundamentals. First in all five dances.

2nd. Yong Jun Park & Montana Mann. NSW. 2 2 2 3 3.

I understand a fairly new partnership. They have nice posture and move very well in both Waltzes and Slow Foxtrot. More foot pressure and foot styling will improve their overall performance.

3rd. Alan Tentser & Sarlote Jakse. VIC. 3 3 3 2 2.

There are times when they look very polished, but sometimes a heavy look can detract from their overall performance. Alan could improve his hip line. But having said that, they can, and I am sure will improve to enjoy further success.

4th. Clayton Young & Phoebe Wardlaw. VIC 4 4 4 4 4.

They have good enthusiasm, but I would suggest they work on better body and leg lines to create a softer look and to improve more economy of movement.

Professional New Vogue.

Sponsored by New Vogue Conveyancing.

1st Clayton Young & Phoebe Wardlaw. VIC. First in all five dances.

2nd. Firas Andari & Brigitte Davies. NSW 2 2 2 2 2.

3rd. Evan Sutherland & Vanessa Sutherland. VIC. 3 3 3 3 3.

Adult Open Ballroom.

Sponsored by Dancesurance.

1st. Andrei Toader & Mia Link-Holden. UK. First in all five dances. An excellent example of competitive Ballroom dancing. Style lightness and clean lines. The audience loved them.

2nd. Nikita Shipitsin & Olivia Savchenko. USA 2 2 2 2 2.

A clean shape and nice movement, but perhaps a lack of personality to sell their dancing.

3rd. Lucien Maart & Chelsea Moores. WA. 3 3 3 4 3

Lucien has always impressed with his musicality. He has a lovely partner in Chelsea. However, I would like to see more flexibility in. The swing dances to produce a lighter look. Tonight's performance earned them the $10.000 award.

4th. Samual Brown & Charlise Phillips. QLD. 4 4 4 3 5.

They started with a nice light musical Waltz, which they also transferred into their Viennese Waltz. Leg lines and foot action in Tango need attention to improve this dance.

5th. Dale Lonsdale & Robyn Dirks. VIC 5 5 5 5 4.

A nice, attractive couple who with dedication to basic fundamentals will do well.

6th. Darcy Hollis & Bonnie Chen. NZ. 6 6 6 6 6 .

Young ten dancers who are very talented. Once again, these young talents must be guided to understand the true artistry of Ballroom dancing, then success will be forthcoming.

7th. Cory Stemp & Timeah Logie. VIC. 7 7 7 7 7 .

When you see the marks and you have finished at the bottom of the final don’t be disappointed you were in the final. Choreography is a development of practising basic fundamentals. It is not a priority. However, it does of course eventually enhance your performance. Think about it.

The last final of the night was the Professional Latin American.

1st. Petar Daskalov & Zia James. UK. Firsty in all 5 dances.

An exhilarating performance possibly highlighted by their Blackpool success. Zia ‘s dancing is so well controllled, and music flows from her body. Petar is a super partner framing Zia when needed. He can spin like a ballet dancer.

2nd Jack Johnson & Joanne De Jager. WA. 2 2 2 2 2

An attractive couple who are popular both in Australia and overseas. If I had to offer advice, I t would be to create a more earthy look with more use of foot pressure.

3rd. Kevin Diluvio & Jam F lores. SA 3 3 3 3 3.

A consistent third. They have good characterisation and move well with good body lines.

4th. Tsai Meng Han& Chang Yu Ling. Taiwan, 4 4 4 4 4.

They looked just a little nervous in this quality final. I am sure it has been an experience that will benefit their improvement in international events.

So, another successful Freedom to Dance Outside Change Cup came to an end.

Sunday has been a traditional workshop, private lessons, and lectures from the visiting overseas professionals.

The enthusiasm was very evident this year, being very well supported from the various grades of Australian competitors present, enjoying the valuable knowledge from the international personalities.

Finally, the farewell dinner, which is always anticipated as to where it will take place. This year it was held in the magnificent Plaza Theatre, which is adjacent to the ballroom. The private suite on the top floor delivered a super meal enjoyed by all those present. This is where we have the opportunity to say goodbye to our friends.

Images: Kerry Rolls Bourke