

2025
NATIONAL CHAMPION WINNERS

MATILDA MCGOWEN
15 & OVER NATIONAL CHAMPION
FOLLOW MATILDA'S JOURNEY
"I had the most incredible time at National Finals, it was so much fun! Gala night was literally the best vibe. The judges, the staff and all of the people supporting, it was so amazing to see our dance community come together. I couldn’t be more grateful for Issy and Elly Meyers, thank you for running such an incredible comp. The prizes I received were absolutely insane! I am so excited to do my handover next year and celebrate the next National Champion. Thank you Carnival!"

LARA RUDLING
14 & UNDER NATIONAL CHAMPION
FOLLOW LARA'S JOURNEY
"I am so honoured to be Carnival's 14u Age Champion. It was an amazing week of dancing & friendship at Carnival Nationals - and can we just take a moment to appreciate the INSANE and very generous gifts received. Thank you Elly and Issy for running the best comp. I feel so spoilt. Much love, Lara xoxo"

LACYNDA MACGONIGAL
12 & UNDER NATIONAL CHAMPION
FOLLOW LACYNDA'S JOURNEY
Message from Lacynda coming soon...

REYNA WANG
10 & UNDER NATIONAL CHAMPION
FOLLOW REYNA'S JOURNEY
"The first Carnival National Finals was one of the most memorable finals that I have ever been to! The atmosphere was so positive and fun, and the vibes everywhere were truly one of a kind. The APEX Workshops were such an incredible experience! I learned so much from the teachers and was challenged in ways that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Every class helped me grow not only as a dancer, but also in confidence and performance quality. Being surrounded by so many talented dancers was so inspiring, and it motivated me to work even harder. The energy backstage and in the audience was electric, and you could really feel how supportive everyone was. I’m so grateful to have been part of such an amazing event, and I can’t wait to be back again!"

MAYA PORRAGAS
8 & UNDER NATIONAL CHAMPION
FOLLOW MAYA'S JOURNEY
"I had such a wonderful experience at Carnival Nationals with all my friends from Elite Performance Studios and other incredible studios. So grateful for the memories we made!"

EVIE ENGELBRECHT
4 & UNDER NATIONAL CHAMPION
FOLLOW EVIE'S JOURNEY
"Being the 4U National Champion at Carnival Dance Challenge is a really big title for a very tiny me! (And the trophy too — I still need to grow a little before I’m the same height as it! ) But it goes far beyond the win, the stage lights and applause — rhythm has been part of me since I could crawl, and dancing followed the moment I could walk. It’s in my heart, in my soul, in every beat that moves me. This title hasn’t just celebrated a moment; it’s confirmed that dance is where I belong and fuelled my passion even more. I’m dreaming bigger, working harder, and this is only the beginning of my story. To Lilly Smithers and my Elite Performance family, none of this would have been possible without you! Thank you, Carnival Dance Challenge, for a memory I’ll treasure forever!"

Loved Carnival - such a great atmosphere and well run weekend! We had an amazing weekend, our families were happy, and we're super impressed with the comp and the venue. We'll definitely be back with more entries in the future!
I just wanted to say how well run this competition was, we had such a great day. All the staff were so friendly, the adjudicator was absolutely amazing, with fantastically detailed feedback, and the whole day had a really positive vibe. Thank you so much, we look forward to the 2026 season.
Can you please pass on to who ever this needs to go to.. I just want to absolutely applaud and THANK and commend and what ever other words I can use than mean the same thing, the host you had back stage today at Carnival. He was absolutely amazing. So calm, kind and fun, he was so much help and nothing was too much trouble for him. I've been at comps all year and I can honestly say he was by far the best vibe side stage all year. He deserves a massive pat on the back.
Thank you for a wonderful competition last weekend. My daughter performed her first classical solo and it was a fantastic and supportive experience. She won 2nd place which has given her so much confidence and she adores her beautiful medal!
I can only imagine the effort and planning that goes into making these competitions a success. A big thank you to you and your team for everything that you did in planning and executing a fabulous day.
A huge thank you for having us as part of such a wonderful competition. The environment was one of the most positive we have ever experienced. It was so lovely to see every person there show so much support to every dancer.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful competition today. There was such a friendly, positive atmosphere which, as a parent I really appreciate!





