Top line industry insiders to judge 2025 competitions

THE Mount Gambier Eisteddfod is excited to announce the return of Christopher Favaloro to adjudicate their 2025 Dance Division.

Christopher Favaloro (pictured), originally from Sydney, studied at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, and further continued his training at Ev & Bow Dance Training Centre.

From an early age, he was noticed at Dance Expo, receiving an indefinite lifetime sponsorship by Sansha Dance Shoes.

In 2008, he represented Sydney Dance Company for the International Mayors’ Congress commissioned by APEC and also joined Melbourne Ballet Company as a soloist for their 2008 and 2009 seasons, Emerge and Believe.

In 2009, Christopher was one of a select few accepted into the Cirque Du Soleil database and was also awarded his Solo Seal by the Royal Academy of Dance.

Christopher then went on to assist Sarah Boulter in teaching the Top 4 contestants for the television show, So You Think You Can Dance Australia (Season 2 & 3).

Soon after, he began touring Australia with Jerome Robbins’ timeless classic, West Side Story in 2010 and 2011.

In 2012, Christopher joined Mod Dance Company as a Principal Dancer under the direction of Brett Morgan and Graeme Murphy performing signature works by Graeme Murphy entitled Suite Synergy.

Throughout his career, Christopher has performed and toured in several shows with Opera Australia – these include Baz Luhrmann’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merry Widow, Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute by Julie Taymor, Orpheus in the Underworld, Ballo, The Love of Three Oranges and Graeme Murphy’s Aida.

From 2014-2018, Christopher toured internationally with Cats – The Musical in the iconic role, Mr. Mistoffelees to great acclaim.

Since returning to Australia, Christopher adjudicates and coaches young dancers across the country who wish to pursue a professional dance career. He is passionate in guiding the next generation of dancers to help them reach their full potential.

Bronwyn Lloyd and Paula Hessey will return for the Calisthenics division, two highly qualified adjudicators, while Andrew Stokes will adjudicate Music, Adrian Barnes Speech and Drama and Rachael Grace the Choral and Vocal.

Adrian Barnes has taught in Australia and New Zealand, United States and United Kingdom and has a Bachelor of Arts in theatre tech, advanced diploma performing arts.

He studied a two year professional acting course at Bristol Old Vic theatre school.

He boasts more than 30 theatre acting credits including repertory theatre in the UK and has appeared in film and television and worked in theatre direction on numerous shows.

Rachael Grace is regarded as a world class vocalist and entertainer.

She is currently producing and starring in ‘The Australian Barbra Streisand Show’ Rachael has built up her experience on stage fronting various Jazz Ensembles, Big Bands, Duos and Trios, as well as Melbourne Based Fringe Opera Companies.

Classically trained at Melbourne University’s renowned conservatory and with 12 years professional performance experience, Rachael Grace’s powerful and soulful voice is no doubt a show stopper.