Algarve Dance Schools Triumph at National Championships in Lisbon
Words Sophie Sadler
Our local dance community has once again proven its incredible talent on the national stage. On 6 June, Lisbon hosted the Portuguese national event for the Dance Waves Competition, the largest dance competition in European theatres. Two local schools – Sobre Artes Escola de Dança and Sofia Rodrigues Academia – represented our region brilliantly and achieved outstanding success, bringing a tremendous haul of awards back to the Algarve.
Sobre Artes Escola de Dança secured a fantastic array of top-tier results. The school won 1st place in the Contemporary Junior Group and the Contemporary Junior Trio, which featured talented dancers Bella Sadler, Ellaouise Harding, and Melody Manzone.
Eliana Attwood had a particularly spectacular competition, securing two 1st-place wins in the Jazz Solo and Improvisation categories. The school also celebrated 3rd place finishes for Emily Lowe (Jazz Solo), Indi Aaron (Contemporary Solo), Amber Ewins (Contemporary Solo), and their Jazz & Showdance Junior group, whilst Zelda Rain took a highly commendable 4th place for her Jazz Solo. These stunning performances were brought to life by the school’s talented choreographers, Alexis Martyna (Contemporary) and Shiloh Reid Nelson (Jazz & Showdance).
Sofia Rodrigues Academia also enjoyed a remarkable competition in Lisbon, dominating across multiple categories. First-place victories were awarded to Leonor Fernandes (for both her classical and contemporary solos), Sara Melo (neoclassical solo) and Margarida Rodrigues (classical solo). Notably, Margarida also achieved the highest score overall for a classical soloist. The academy’s contemporary dancers were equally impressive, with Joana Nóbrega winning her solo and the school taking 1st place in the Contemporary Dance Group category. Joana Nóbrega and Madalena Rodrigues further showcased the school’s versatility by securing 1st-place wins in the improvisation categories.
Beyond their national triumphs, the dancers from Sofia Rodrigues Academia have also been making waves internationally at the Art Without Borders (AWB) Dance Competition. The AWB competition brings together top talent from across Europe in classical, contemporary, ethnic and urban dance styles. At the AWB International Final held in Bergamo, Italy, in February 2026, the academy celebrated an incredible string of 1st place finishes, including standout performances by Beatriz Jesus (lyrical solo), Madalena Rodrigues (contemporary solo), Margarida Rodrigues (lyrical solo) and Matilde Mendes (classical solo). This followed excellent podium finishes at earlier AWB semi-finals in Ayamonte, Spain, and Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal.
It is wonderful to see the dedication, artistry and hard work of these young dancers being rewarded both nationally and internationally. Congratulations to all the performers, choreographers, and teachers at Sobre Artes and Sofia Rodrigues for putting our local dance community on the map!
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For any budding ballerinas wishing to spend a week this summer brushing up their dance skills as well as learning about dancers’ hair, makeup and nutrition, the Sofia Rodriguez ballet school is running a dance camp from 27-– 31 July. There will also be tuition in a number of dance styles. See Instagram for more information.
Instagram @sofiarodrigues.academiaballet
