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 2026 Australian Classical Challenge Events are listed below along with their biographies.
​
Nathan Coppen
Senior and Pre-Intermediate Classical Division
Nathan received his early training in Melbourne at the National Theatre Ballet School under the direction of Gailene Stock CBE AM, before going on to study at The Australian Ballet School where he received the Primrose Potter Scholarship. During his time at the school, he
was asked to play the role of Tadzio in the Australian Opera’s production Death in Venice, in which he was applauded for his ‘magnetic stage presence and ability to induce emotional responses from the audience’. Nathan then went on to be accepted into The Australian
Ballet as its youngest member at the time, under the direction of the Artistic Director Maina Gielgud AO. After an exceptional grounding with the company, he decided to expand his horizons, where he travelled to London to join the English National Ballet under the direction
of Derek Deane OBE. While in the company, Nathan flourished and shortly became the image of the English National Ballet, appearing in posters and magazines all over England, being photographed by some of the world’s best photographers.
After an illustrious career with the company, in which he had many performance highlights as
Principal Dancer, including Romeo in the company’s Australian Tour of Romeo and
Juliet and the Prince in both Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, he then went on to join the infamous Royal Ballet. Nathan made his mark on the company in the title role of Onegin and
continued on to have great success with the company. He had the great honour of meeting and performing for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip at the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in
2002, following on from his previous performances for Princess Diana at numerous gala events throughout his time with the English National Ballet. Nathan returned to Australia in 2004 to join the West Australian Ballet as Principal Artist, where he was nominated that
same year for a Helpmann Award for Best Male Dancer for his role in La Bohème - The Ballet.
Some career highlights for Nathan include dancing with Marianela Nunez in William
Forsythe’s In the Middle Somewhat Elevated, Tamara Rojo CBE in Three Preludes, Belinda Hernandez in The Nutcracker and performing in the International Ballet Festival of Miami, in
the Pas de Deux Perpetuum Mobile with Tamara Rojo, which was choreographed on them by Christopher Hampson, current Artistic Director of the Scottish Ballet.
Throughout his varied career, Nathan has gained a broad knowledge of professional dance training and standards worldwide and is passionate about passing on his experience to the next generation of aspiring dancers. Guided by this passion, in 2024 Nathan co-founded and
now serves as co-director of The Aus Prix. This initiative supports young dancers aspiring to advance their careers in classical ballet and contemporary dance by offering potential scholarships and cash prizes to help further their dance education.
​
%20(1).jpg)
Brooke Jacobs
Intermediate Classical Division
Born in Narrogin WA, Brooke began her training at the West Australian Conservatoire of Classical
Ballet and John Curtin College of The Arts in Perth before moving to Melbourne to train at the Christine Walsh Dance Centre and The Australian Ballet School. After graduating from The ABS in
2001, Brooke worked with the English National Ballet, Leipziger Ballett, Royal Ballet of Flanders and Zuricher Ballet where she was promoted to Soloist in 2008. Brooke joined West Australian Ballet in 2010 and was promoted to Principal dancer in 2013. In 2019, after eight years with West Australian Ballet, Brooke retired from the stage and took on a new role as West Australian Ballet’s Schools Manager. In this role Brooke worked to deliver a multitude of educational programs and opportunities for Community and School groups, allowing her to contribute to the future of arts and dance in WA, particularly for children and young people with limited access to the arts. In 2024, Brooke took on a new role with West Australian Ballet as Dancer Development Manager. This role specifically manages the company’s Young Artist Program, Masterclass Program and the development of a network of holistic support for dancers from the time they hope to enter the company, through their early professional years and their career progression beyond the stage.
Brooke’s career highlights include dancing the Lilac Fairy in Marcia Haydee’s The Sleeping Beauty, William Forsythe’s In the Middle Somewhat Elevated, Juliet in Edward Clug’s Radio & Juliet, Itzik Galili’s Mono Lisa, Sylphide in August Bournonville’s La Sylphide and the role of Giselle re-staged by Aurelien Scannella and Sandy Delasalle. Brooke has also performed the role of Cinderella in Jayne Smeulder’s Cinderella, Beauty in David Nixon’s Beauty and the Beast, Mercedes and Queen of the Dryads in Don Quixote restaged by Lucette Aldous, and Jordan in David Nixon’s The Great Gatsby.
Brooke has also danced principal roles in works such as Craig Davidson’s Ambiguous Content, as well as The Clearest Light, For Nanna, and Ghost Gum choreographed by Christopher Hill.
Brooke was nominated several times in The Australian Dance Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Artist. In 2016 she was shortlisted for her performance as Cinderella in Jayne Smeulder’s Cinderella. Brooke has also represented West Australian Ballet in several national and international events.
​​​
Paul Malek
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.
​
Naomi Hibbard
Intermediate Contemporary Division
Naomi Hibberd is an experienced dancer, teacher, producer and industry professional with over 15 years experience. Trained at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance (UK), Naomi holds a 1st class Bachelor Arts Degree. She went on to perform with the Rambert Dance Company, Balbir Singh Dance Company, and was a lead dancer in Didi Veldman’s Peter and the Wolf. Since returning to Australia she has performed works for Graeme Murphy and Lucas Jervis as well as many local and international choreographers.
As a choreographer she has created works for The Strand Arcade, Adobe, and multiple music videos for Lisa Mitchell, Silamor and The Australian to name a few. Naomi’s passion for dance has lead her to producing and she is currently the creative producer of FORM Dance Projects working with companies such as Sydney Festival, Riverside Theatres, Sydney Opera House and Carriageworks to produce and present Australian dance works.
Jayden Hicks
Pre-Intermediate Contemporary Division
Jayden Hicks is a multidisciplinary artist, creator educator and mentor based in Melbourne, Australia. He is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists and fostrering creativity within the community.​
Jayden's journey in the performing arts features notable performance credits with esteemed companies such as Opera Australia, Vertical Shadows, Melbourne Ballet Company, and Collaboration the Project. His standout role in 'Your's Truly' earned him nominations for a Green Room Award and a Victorian Dance Award as Best Male Dancer in 2013.
Since joining Transit Dance in 2015, Jayden has excelled as a principal artist and was appointed Associate Director in 2022, where he has significantly shaped company's artistic vision through productions like BOYZ, Small Parameters, ID, and Fuze.​
From 2016 to 2020, he served as Artistic Director of Origins Dance Company, passionately nurturing young talent and producing the Australian Dance Award-nominated Transit Regional Creative Project, Dance Architect, UNDRGRND Melbourne. In addition, he has been the Production Manager for Transit Dance since 2017, overseeing Lighting Design for numerous innovative works.​
In 2021, he collaborated with esteemed artists Cass Mortimer, Eipper and Alice Topp as Rehearsal Director for Project Animo's premier season, "And Now We Move On." Most recently, in 2023, he served as Creative Associate for The Australian Ballet's 60th Anniversary Season, "Identity," working alongside Alice Topp, and showcased his choreographic talents with "Opus," a contemporary dance work that enjoyed a successful tour across regional Victoria.
Michael Ramsay
Junior Contemporary Division
Michael Ramsay was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. Enjoying movement and creativity from a very young age, he began dancing at the tender age of 3. Michael is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary in Melbourne Australia and the New Zealand school of Dance in Wellington, New Zealand. Where he performed works by Rafael Bonachela, Antony Hamilton, Garry Stewart, Michael Parmenter, Timothy Harbour and Tor Colombus. Michael left early in his third year at NZSD to begin working with Australian Dance Theatre under renowned choreographer Garry Stewart. Also dancing in Opera Australia's award winning production of 'King Roger' (2017) at the Sydney Opera House. His exploits have led him to various countries around the world including training in Wundang Kung-fu in Wudang China. Performing tai chi on CCTV 'Charming China.' As well as Toronto, Canada to perform 'Great Lakes' by Sandra Laronde for Red Sky Performance.
In 2021 Michael performed 'S/words' by Lewis Major as part of the Adelaide Festival.
Recenelty Michael her choreographed various works including 'The Sweet Spot' (2015) ADT creative season, 'Dying for life' (2017) for Adelaide Collage of the Arts class of 2017 graduating season. As well as pieces for Jason Coleman's The Ministry of Dance's mid and end of year productions.
Michael has previousy featured on the Newcastle and Canberra judging panels. We welcome him back to Newcastle again as our Junior Contemporary Judge.
Karina Nairne
Junior Classical Division
Karina grew up inside the dance studio, trained by her mother Royal Academy of Dance Examiner Debra Whitten Karina won accolades and Eisteddfods and was a finalist in the McDonalds Performing Arts Challenge Junior Classical Scholarship- now Sydney Eisteddfod. At age 14 she moved to Melbourne to train at the Australian Ballet School. At eighteen Karina signed her first ballet contract for Suzhou Ballet Theatre under direction of Stephen Jeffries and Rashna Homji (former directors of Hong Kong Ballet). Karina then accepted a contract with Ballet Ireland in the United Kingdom and performed in their production of Swan Lake as a Big Swan travelling around the United Kingdom. Having fallen in love with New York City she then moved to NYC accepting a contract with Mystic Ballet and performed Principal Roles including the Black Swan Pas de Deux and had internationally renowned choreographers choreograph new works for her to perform.
Karina moved home to Australia to commence a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and fell in love with teaching ballet as well.
She taught at the Debra Whitten School of Dance for over twelve years, introducing the Pearl Classical Coaching Program and choreographing solos for students. Former students are now professional dancers in numerous international ballet companies including English National Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, BIG International and many professional company associated schools. Her students have described her as attentive to detail and dedicated to getting the best out of each individual student.
Karina is a hands on mum to three young boys, going to theatre and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of dance.
​