Royal Academy of Dance Australia

2026 RAD Australian Advanced 1 Bursary Winner 🎉

Congratulations to Sienna Westcott (QLD), named the recipient of the 2026 Australian Advanced 1 Bursary, held on Sunday 14 June at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Melbourne.

Sienna was selected from an outstanding group of finalists representing five states and territories, following a day of open class and solo performances adjudicated by Ross Hannaford and Lindsay Ellman-Brown, and delivered by RAD Examiner Kerrie Smith accompanied by pianist Akiko Loong.

This prestigious bursary, generously supported by Bloch Australia, celebrates excellence in RAD training and supports the continued development of Australia’s emerging ballet talent.

Congratulations to all finalists, teachers, and families involved.

Read more: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-au/news-and-facts/sienna-westcott-named-recipient-of-the-2026-rad-australian-advanced-1-bursary/

📸Belinda Strodder

✨ Entries are NOW OPEN for the 2026 Betsy Sawers Awards ✨

The Betsy Sawers Awards honours the contribution of RAD Life Member Betsy Sawers whilst providing exciting performance opportunities for students in ACT and The Riverina.

🩰 Open to eligible RAD students from Grade 2 to Advanced 2
📅 Sunday 20 September 2026

Students will participate in an onstage class, with finalists selected to perform a syllabus dance in the finals 🌟

Please ensure you read the full Conditions of Entry before registering.

🔗 Register now:

RAD Australia | Betsy Sawers Awards 2026 Booking Deadline: Event Date: Event Time: Country: Location: Available Online? Who's it for? Fee: Contact: The Royal Academy of Dance is pleased to present the Betsy Sawers Awards 2026. The Betsy Sawers Awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of RAD Life Member Betsy Sawers while providing exc...

Applications for the 2027 Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) are now open — and applying is easier than ever with online applications now live! ✨

Ready to take your first step towards a career in dance teaching? The RAD’s internationally recognised teacher training programme combines guided independent study, online learning, and studio-based teaching practice to help you develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to teach ballet.

Want to learn more? Join our free information webinar on 25 June to hear about the programme structure, entry requirements, the distance learning experience, and how to apply.

📅 Applications close 1 August 2026
🗓 Programme starts January 2027

https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-au/study-dance/certificate-in-dance-teaching/

A new era is here! ✨🎭

The RAD’s brand-new Musical Theatre syllabus is launching, and our Sydney Introductory Training CPD is already over 60% full!

Be among the first teachers able to enter students for RAD Musical Theatre exams while exploring how to teach singing, acting, and dance in your studio.

🗓 7–9 October 2026
📍 Sydney, NSW

Places are filling fast — don’t miss out:

RAD Australia | Musical Theatre Introductory Training Sydney CPD Booking Deadline: Event Date: Event Time: Country: Location: Available Online? Who's it for? Fee: Contact: Join us as we launch the RAD’s Musical Theatre Syllabus! Be among the first to enter students for the new exams. Explore the RAD’s brand-new Musical Theatre syllabus in a dedicated three-da...

Have something to share with the dance education community?

Applications are now open to present at the Royal Academy of Dance Australia’s sixth international conference, Elevating Dance Education: Creativity, Community and Care. ✨

Whether you’re a dance teacher, studio owner, academic or industry professional, there’s a presentation format to suit every style of presenter:
- Lecture presentations
- Practical workshops
- Practical demonstrations
- Interactive workshops
- Panel discussions

This is your opportunity to share your insights, research, and practical experience while connecting with a passionate and supportive community helping shape the future of dance education in Australia.

We welcome submissions across all dance styles, performing arts genres, and learning settings.

📅 Submission deadline: 21 June 2026
🔗 Find out more and submit your application via the conference website: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-au/teach-with-the-rad/continuing-professional-development/2027-conference/

A throwback to the Victorian Advanced 1 Bursary Semi Finals a few weeks ago! 🩰

We can’t wait to see the finalists perform this weekend in Melbourne at the Advanced 1 Bursary Finals as they compete for the coveted $5,000 prize. Chookas, dancers!

📸: Victorian finalist Chloe Lahood captured by Belinda Strodder

Happy Monday! 💕 A lovely image of Chelsea Franklin and her Silver Swans at their annual concert a few weeks ago.

Silver Swans classes are specially designed for older learners, creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone can experience the joy of dance. 🩰 Ballet really is for everybody!

We are delighted to announce the prize recipients of the WA Festival of Dance 2026, held from 28 May to 1 June at John Curtin College of the Arts in Fremantle.

Over five incredible days, more than 200 dancers from across Western Australia took to the stage across classical ballet, contemporary, demi-character, national, scholarship, and ensemble categories, showcasing the exceptional depth of emerging dance talent in WA.

The Festival culminated in a spectacular Gala Evening featuring prize recipients alongside guest artists from West Australian Ballet, highlighting the exciting professional pathways available to young dancers.

Adjudicator Christian Tàtchev reflected on the outstanding standard presented throughout the Festival:
“Congratulations to all participants and their teachers, who have worked tirelessly to achieve the high standard presented, as well as to everyone who supports these passionate artists on their journey towards the profession.”

RAD Australia National Director Shelley Yacopetti said:
“The Festival of Dance Gala is a truly special celebration of dance in Western Australia, bringing teachers, dancers, their families and supporters and professionals in the industry together.”

Congratulations to all award recipients and participants on an outstanding Festival!

Read more and view the full list of winners here: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-au/news-and-facts/royal-academy-of-dance-announces-wa-festival-of-dance-2026-winners/

📸: Major Scholarship recipients captured by DancePro Photography & Video

I wanted to give students more.

“For me, ballet has always been personal - my grandmother was part of the RAD, so it’s always been close to my heart.”

Marlie, a student from South Africa, chose the CDT programme to turn her passion into something more - gaining the knowledge and experience to become the kind of teacher she wished she wanted to be.

“I’ve learned how children think at different stages, and how to adapt my teaching to support every student.”

Her goal? To inspire the next generation - and one day open her own studio.

Build a future now doing what you love!

Join one of our online webinars to find out more: https://www.trybooking.com/DITLE

Calling all South Australia dancers!

Entries for the Eileen Hogarth Awards are now open 🎉

A highlight of the SA dance calendar for over 50 years, these awards are open to RAD students from Grade 2 to Solo Seal. They give dancers the opportunity to perform their exam work and compete for a range of prizes, including training scholarships to major Australian training institutions.

📅 Date: 2 August 2026
⏳ Entries close: 12 July 2026

Book now to secure your place.