Regional Queensland dancers celebrated in the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards
Talented young dancers from across regional Queensland have been celebrated following the conclusion of the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards, with this year’s Overall Award recipients announced during a special online presentation on Saturday 12 September
Talented young dancers from across regional Queensland have been celebrated following the conclusion of the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards, with this year’s Overall Award recipients announced during a special online presentation on Saturday 12 September.
Held across Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton and Mackay throughout August and September, the Shirley Treacy Awards provide RAD students in central and northern Queensland with an opportunity to extend themselves beyond the examination studio, develop their confidence and performance skills, and share their work with leading dance professionals.
From each regional event, students progressed through classes and performances before Overall Finalists were selected to represent their region in the final stage of the Awards. The finalists were brought together virtually for the Online Awards Presentation, where their recorded solo performances were screened before the 2026 recipients were announced by Guest Co-Adjudicators David McAllister AC and Fiona Tonkin OAM.
Lesley Arancibia, RAD Regional Manager for Queensland, said the opportunity to have two of Australia’s most respected dance professionals adjudicate the Overall Finals was a highlight of this year’s Awards.
“The RAD Queensland Team was honoured to welcome David McAllister AC and Fiona Tonkin OAM as Co-Adjudicators for the Overall Finals Presentation. Having the finalists’ performances viewed and adjudicated by two of Australia’s most respected and accomplished dance professionals was a memorable opportunity for our Overall Finalists and a highlight of the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards.
“The standard of performances presented throughout all four regions was exceptional, highlighting the dedication of students, teachers and families who continue to support and foster excellence in dance education across regional Queensland.”
The Royal Academy of Dance is delighted to congratulate the following 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards recipients:
GRADE 4 & 5
Winner – Matthew Wingham – Dance Junction
Runner Up – Dakota Darby – Aspire Performing Arts
Encouragement Award – Elle Cummings – Leisa Payne School of Dance
INTERMEDIATE FOUNDATION & INTERMEDIATE
Winner – Ashley Ekert – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Runner Up – Isabelle Duffy – Julia Macalpine Dance Studio
Encouragement Award – Lejla Bobongie-Harris – Leisa Payne School of Dance
ADVANCED FOUNDATION, ADVANCED 1 & ADVANCED 2
Winner – Cayden Connors – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Runner Up – Demi Minns – Leisa Payne School of Dance
Encouragement Award – Ruby Tuxworth – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
A number of finalists were also recognised with scholarship opportunities to further support their development as young dancers.
ACADEMY OF QUEENSLAND BALLET
Ashley Ekert – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Isabelle Duffy – Julia Macalpine Dance Studio
THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET SCHOOL
Cayden Connors – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY
Demi Minns – Leisa Payne School of Dance
The Overall Awards capped off a series of regional events that saw students perform for experienced adjudicators Susan Sargison in Townsville, Chrishanthi Nagendra in Cairns, Samantha Simpson in Rockhampton and Karen Perring in Mackay.
More than a competition, the Shirley Treacy Awards are an important opportunity for dancers living outside Queensland’s major metropolitan centres to gain valuable performance experience and work in a supportive environment alongside students from their local dance community.
The Awards also recognise the important role played by regional teachers, schools and families in nurturing the next generation of dancers and creating strong and vibrant dance communities throughout Queensland.
Named in honour of Shirley Treacy OAM, a Townsville-born RAD ballet teacher, examiner and Life Member, the Awards continue her legacy of encouraging young dancers and expanding access to meaningful dance opportunities throughout regional Queensland.
The Royal Academy of Dance congratulates every student who participated in the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards, along with this year’s finalists and award recipients. We also extend our sincere thanks to the teachers, families, adjudicators, volunteers and local communities who supported each of the four regional events.
The RAD is grateful for the support of the local sponsors who helped make the Awards possible in each region, as well as our National Event Sponsors Bloch, Energetiks and Capezio, whose ongoing support helps us continue to provide valuable opportunities and experiences for young dancers across Australia..
