Autumn CPD Sydney

In-person observation, practical and interactive workshops

Includes practical exercises and group activities in the studio with your tutor and fellow teachers

When participating in the practical elements of these activities, you are participating at your own risk and should only do those activities that you consider safe for your own body

Before participating, please ensure you are in a safe space, that is free of obstacles, suitable to work in safely, that the floor surface is suitable and that you have appropriate footwear for that surface

• Reflection on current teaching practices
• Questions relating to the topics covered

• Suitable clothing for the practical elements
• Exercise mat
• Notepad and pen

Lindsay Ellman-Brown

Lindsay was born and raised in Zimbabwe and then moved to London in 1985 and trained at the College of the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Returning home to dance with the National Ballet of Zimbabwe, she also choreographed and produced

full-length ballets for the company. Lindsay ran her own ballet school with over 250 students for 10 years in Zimbabwe before immigrating to Australia. She holds a Diploma and Licentiate from the RAD, as well as a master’s degree in Dance Teaching from QUT. Becoming an RAD Examiner in 1999, Lindsay travels extensively both nationally and internationally, examining and teaching.

Hilary Kaplan

Hilary was born in South Africa. A child prodigy in various styles of dancing, she trained with the late Reina Berman (ballet) and with Mercedes Molina (Spanish dancing), Luisa Cortes and Enrique Segovia (Spanish dancing). For several years, she won most of the first prizes in Ballet, Spanish, Character and Classical Greek in all the major dance competitions in Johannesburg.

Having done outstandingly well in all her Royal Academy of Dance examinations including achieving the Solo Seal, she was awarded the RAD Bursary, which enabled her to complete her training at the Royal Ballet School in London. She then returned to South Africa where she danced with PACT and CAPAB.

She then married and settled down to open her own highly successful ballet school. While teaching she completed a BA at the University of Witwatersrand majoring in languages.

Hilary was subsequently appointed a Dual Examiner and Tutor for the Royal Academy of Dance and a Dual Examiner for the Spanish Dance Society. She is a sought-after examiner and teacher travelling all over the world, appearing regularly on the faculties of international summer schools and seminars. In 1996 she moved to Australia with her husband and five daughters. While examining in Sydney that year, she met Archibald McKenzie, with whom she conducted several courses for the RAD. She went on, together with Archibald, to found Alegria in 1998. Since then she has qualified with a Licentiate Diploma in the Cecchetti method and has been recently awarded the Prestigious FRAD by the Royal Academy of Dance.

Fumi Somehara

Fumi (she/her) is the principal dietitian (accredited sports dietitian and eating disorder credentialled clinician) at DDD Centre for Recovery, a nutrition clinic dedicated to supporting performing artists develop a positive relationship with food and their body. Her special interest is in performance nutrition, RED-S treatment, and eating disorder recovery support. She firmly believes that all bodies deserve to dance and be nourished, and welcomes folks of all sizes, shapes, neurodiversity, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and ability and disability. Outside of individual nutrition support, Fumi enjoys offering dance nutrition workshops, professional supervision, and media work including writing for dance magazines and presenting at professional conferences nationally and worldwide.

Lisa Howell

Internationally respected physiotherapist and educator Lisa Howell is the founder of Perfect Form Physiotherapy, a pioneering clinic and online portal that has transformed how dancers approach injury prevention, recovery and performance. With a career dedicated to empowering dancers and teachers worldwide, she shares her expertise through lectures, workshops and resources that promote health, artistry and excellence in dance.

Miranda Daisy

Miranda Daisy is a highly respected advocate, educator, and performer dedicated to advancing accessibility in the performing arts. As the founder and director of Perform Ability, she has pioneered a world-class program that empowers performers with disabilities and neurodiversities to engage in dance, drama and music. Her innovative, student-led approach fosters confidence, creativity, and self-expression, setting new benchmarks for inclusive arts education. Miranda’s early training was under the guidance of Marie Walton-Mahon, renowned founder of the Progressing Ballet Technique. She later earned a Diploma of Musical Theatre from Brent Street, one of Australia’s premier performing arts institutions. Her extensive performance career includes the Kiss Me Kate Revival Tour in China and engagements at Universal Studios Japan. She has also taught dance, singing, and acting at Brent Street, mentoring aspiring performers and educators.

In 2012, Miranda launched Dance for Inclusion, a pioneering instructor training program that has been adopted by over 50 educators worldwide. Her expertise in inclusive education has made her a sought-after guest speaker, presenting at leading industry events such as the Leading Together – Curriculum Change in Creative Arts Classrooms Conference, the Australian Dance Festival, and various Department of Education initiatives. Additionally, she has contributed to vocational education by teaching Dance for Well-being at TAFE, equipping aspiring teachers with the skills to create inclusive learning environments and support students of all abilities through movement.

Committed to excellence and innovation, Miranda continues to collaborate with industry leaders to enhance accessibility in the performing arts. Through her work, she ensures that every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in the creative arts.

Ashleigh Olsen

Ashleigh Olsen A.R.A.D. is a Royal Academy of Dance registered teacher with over 25 years of international teaching experience across Zimbabwe, South Africa, England, Japan, and Australia. Ashleigh delivers classes for Perform Ability, a therapy-aligned dance and performing arts school for people with disabilities and also teaches neuro-compromised adults in collaboration with allied health physiotherapists at Diverging Pathways. Her inclusive approach ensures that students of all ages,

abilities, and backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to explore movement with confidence.

An active RAD member, Ashleigh is committed to promoting accessibility, diversity, and excellence in dance, inspiring enjoyment, engagement, and personal growth in every student she teaches.

6 hours Time-Valued CPD for full course

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For more information contact:

Anna Mealing
CPD Coordinator: amealing@rad.org.au