Bryanston dancer earns spot at American Dance Awards Nationals
After an impressive double-gold performance in Pretoria, Rylee Diamond is preparing to take his lyrical and jazz routines to the global stage.
Bryanston dancer Rylee Diamond (16) has qualified for the Teen Dancer of the Year event at the 2027 American Dance Awards (ADA) National Championship in Boston.
Rylee, from Dancers Avant-Garde in Bryanston, secured his place at the prestigious event following an impressive performance at the ADA competition recently held in Pretoria, where he received gold for his jazz solo and ultimate gold for his lyrical solo.
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He also received the special award for storytelling and clear arms, placed 12th overall in his solo category and qualified for the Teen Dancer of the Year event, which will take place from July 3 to 11, 2027.
For Rylee, the achievements represent more than just competition results. They reflect years of dedication, hard work and personal growth since he first joined Dancers Avant-Garde in 2017.
He said watching the older dancers at the studio excel in competitions and productions inspired him to take dance more seriously.
“I realised that I could be as amazing as them, so I decided to work hard for it,” he said. “These achievements mean so much to me as it shows that my hard work pays off in the end and it also makes me reflect on myself and how far I’ve come.”
Of his two competition solos, Rylee said his lyrical performance, titled ‘Monsters’, was particularly special to him. The piece explored the emotional experience of losing a father, a story he wanted to portray in appreciation of his own father, whose father died of cancer.
“I do believe that your body does tell a story more than words, but what really makes it a brilliant performance is the acting and facial expressions that go with it,” he said.
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His special award for storytelling and clear arms was particularly meaningful, with Rylee attributing the impact of his performance not only to his technique but also to his facial expressions.
The moment he discovered he had qualified for the Teen Dancer of the Year event was one he will not forget.
He recalled waiting anxiously at home for his dance teacher to share the results, pacing up and down his parents’ bedroom while constantly checking his phone.
When the announcement finally came through the competition group, his excitement was overwhelming.
“So much happiness and adrenaline rushed through my body and I couldn’t stop bouncing off the walls. This opportunity means so much to me as I can show the rest of the world that if you work hard for your dreams, they will come true.”
As he looks towards Boston, Rylee hopes to make the most of the international opportunity, with his sights set on representing South Africa and showing what dedication and perseverance can achieve.
“Someone once told me, ‘Prepare for the worst, hope for the best,’ and that really stuck with me throughout my dance career,” he concluded.
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