The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia proudly continues its long-standing tradition of celebrating young dancers nationwide, with over 1,700 students taking part in RAD Student Awards in the past year alone.
In 2025, as RAD Australia marks its 90th anniversary, the organisation remains a leading supporter of aspiring dancers, presenting 11 annual Student Awards across the country, awarding thousands of dollars in prizes to further dance education, and offering prestigious scholarships to major dance institutions. These awards honor exceptional technique and artistry while inspiring students to pursue their passion for dance with dedication and enthusiasm.
Over the past month, RAD Australia has celebrated the Betsy Sawers Awards (ACT & Riverina), the Shirley Treacy Awards (Queensland), the Audrey Nicholls Awards (Victoria), and the Kathleen Gorham Awards (Victoria). Each award honours the legacy of a significant figure in Australian dance and provides an important platform for students to demonstrate their skills. The success of these events is a clear reflection of the strength of the RAD syllabus, which provides an excellent foundation for dancers to flourish both technically and artistically. A full list of results and wrap up of each event can be found on the RAD Australia website.
RAD Australia’s Student Awards are brought to life through the generous support of National Sponsors Bloch Australia, Energetiks, and Capezio, alongside contributions from local event sponsors, volunteers, and Regional Advisory Panels. These partnerships, combined with RAD’s deep connections to leading dance companies and institutions across Australia, ensure that students receive not only recognition for their talent but also meaningful opportunities to pursue professional careers in dance.
Speaking about the Awards season, RAD Australia’s National Director, Shelley Yacopetti, said: “Over 90 years, RAD Australia has stood as a constant supporter of young Australian dancers. Our Student Awards are a vital platform for celebrating dedication, discipline, and artistry while creating pathways to future opportunities in dance. We are deeply proud of the teachers, students, and families who make this community so vibrant.”
With three awards still to come—the Susan Sargison Awards and the Joan Burnett Awards in Tasmania, and the Diana de Vos Awards in Western Australia, RAD Australia’s commitment to recognising talent across the nation remains stronger than ever.
As part of its 90th anniversary celebrations, RAD Australia is also preparing to launch a commemorative book, 90 Stories Across 90 Years. This special publication captures 90 personal stories from across the RAD community, teachers, students, examiners, and alumni, reflecting on the moments and milestones that have shaped RAD’s impact in Australia. The project has been in development throughout 2025 with contributions gathered from every state and territory and will be officially launched at the end of the year as the perfect finale to RAD Australia’s 90th anniversary. The limited-edition book is now available for pre-order.
Through its Student Awards, scholarships, and landmark projects, the Royal Academy of Dance Australia continues to champion excellence in dance and performance, cementing its position as a pinnacle of dance education in Australia and proving the excellence of its community year after year.
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