Judges
Through the Australian Classical Challenge artists present their talents to an esteemed panel of globally recognised judges, who are celebrated for their groundbreaking work and influential contributions to the dance world. The judges for the 2025 Australian Classical Challenge Events are listed below along with their biographies.
Camilo Ramos
Intermediate and Senior Classical Division
Born in Havana, Camilo trained at the National Ballet School of Cuba. He received several awards during his training. Camilo joined the National Ballet of Cuba in 2008 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2011. He moved to Australia and joined Queensland Ballet in 2015.
Camilo has toured extensively throughout Europe, South America, North America, Asia and Australia. He has performed on many of the most important stages around the world such as The Coliseum in London, Kennedy Center in Washington DC, the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, among others. He also danced in numerous Festivals and Galas worldwide. Camilo was invited by Texas Ballet Theatre to perform as a Guest Principal Artist in their production of Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker.
With the above companies Camilo has performed principal roles in most major classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Coppelia, as well as works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Kenneth McMillan, Jiri Kylian, Liam Scarlett, Trey McIntyre, Natalie Weir, Greg Horsman and Harold Lander.
After his retirement from stage in 2021 Camilo took the position of Teacher and Coordinator of the Pre Professional Program with the Queensland Ballet Academy .
Danielle Kyneur
Junior and Pre-Intermediate Classical Division
Danielle Kyneur / Aru
Studio Director / Ballet Educator / Industry Leader
With over 25 years in the dance industry, Danielle is a highly respected and classically trained dancer, teacher and mentor. Beginning her ballet journey at the age of four, Danielle quickly developed a deep passion for dance that has only grown throughout her career.
She completed her elite training under the guidance of renowned educators including Tessa Maunder, Karen Hudson, Marie Walton-Mahon, and at the prestigious Australian Ballet School. Danielle also undertook advanced teacher training workshops with the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
A qualified Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) instructor, Danielle holds a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). Her expertise has led her to judge elite competitions both in Australia and internationally.
Danielle's extensive teaching career includes positions at top performing arts institutions across the country . She notably served as the Ballet Co-ordinator at Brent Street in Sydney, one of Australia's leading performing arts schools.
She is also the visionary behind Ballet in the Islands - a heartfelt initiative where she brings ballet education to children in remote island communities who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to dance.
Currently, Danielle is the proud founder and director of Dance with Grace, a thriving dance studio based in Newcastle. Through her studio and outreach programs, she continues to share her love for dance, nurturing the next generation of dancers with dedication, grace and passion.
Paul Malek
Intermediate and Senior Contemporary Division
Paul Malek is a renowned Director, Choreographer, and Educator whose influence extends across theatre and stage in Australia and across the globe. With a fervent dedication to education, empowerment, and artistic ingenuity, he ignites the ambitions of individuals, businesses, and communities, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Having received formal training in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Paul's early career as a dancer and global performer took him on tours across 5 continents, honing his skills and leadership as a dance captain, rehearsal director, and company manager by the age of 26.
Returning to Australia in 2007, the spirit of entrepreneurship beckoned Paul to venture into creating enterprises such as Collaboration the Project (2008 – 2015), which produced ground-breaking events like UNDRGRND Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Immersed Melbourne Dance Industry Night, DANCE CHAT, DANCE CHAT LIVE, and Project Y (Youth Dance Company), in addition to steering over 16 professional production seasons and tours. This includes award-winning productions Yours Truly, Parkland Avenue and Unanswered.
Paul’s contributions to the artistic community manifest through his past roles as board member and President of Australian Teachers of Dancing International. A board member of Ausdance Victoria, and the inaugural Artistic Director of the Victorian Dance Festival. A founding member of Dancers Australia, MEAA, Paul champions fair pay for dancers across the industry which goes back to 2013 when he initiated the #paythedancers movement which reached global attention and has continued moving forward.
Paul was the co-director of BOOM Media (2011 – 2015), a forward-thinking Marketing and Media Company dedicated to and led by dancers. During this time, he worked as a Videographer, Photographer and Film Editor along with his choreographic and producing achievements. He was also the Director of Dance Architect choreographic award and the Dance Architect Education Summit.
His choreographic proficiency shines through his work on television shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance Australia, alongside crafting captivating performances for numerous corporate events, award ceremonies, music videos and television commercials. A regular on the Dance Festival Circuit, Paul has taught and lectured at Australian Dance Festival, Victorian Dance Festival, MOVE IT London, Dance Summit New York, Come Together Dance Convention to name a few.
In 2015, Paul founded Transit Dance, a ground-breaking endeavour that serves as a testament to his visionary leadership. As Artistic Director (2015 – 2024), he spearheaded a diverse spectrum of performance platforms and educational initiatives, housed within an innovative dance and performance precinct in Brunswick, Victoria. He continues his influence as Chairman of the Transit Dance Board of Directors.
Beyond his instrumental role at Transit Dance, Paul stands as a prominent figure in the realm of motivational speaking, addressing audiences at corporate events, conventions, and festivals globally. As an avid dance photographer his artistic expression extends through his lens, capturing the essence of movement and grace, working alongside esteemed artists to bring their visions to life.
Envisioning a world where art and inspiration intertwine seamlessly, Paul Malek strives to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, shaping the future of dance and performance with his unparalleled vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Georgina Robinson
Junior and Pre-Intermediate Contemporary Division
Originally from Newcastle, NSW, Georgia Robinson is a seasoned performer and passionate dance educator. She has completed two international performance contracts with Celebrity Cruises, touring extensively throughout Alaska, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean.
In 2015, Georgia graduated from Brent Street with a Certificate IV in Performing Arts (Triple Threat), honing her skills across dance, singing, and acting. She holds a strong foundation in classical ballet, having trained with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). Georgia is a Registered RAD Teacher and an Associate of the RAD, having achieved Distinction in her Advanced 2 examinations.
With over five years of experience submitting students for RAD exams, she is also a certified Level 3 Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor, bringing a deep understanding of technical development and body conditioning to her teaching.
In 2022, Georgia founded Top Rock Studios in Newcastle—a dynamic and inclusive dance space dedicated to adult dancers. The studio has quickly become a thriving community, known for its positive environment and commitment to current, high-quality training.