RAD Australia 2027 Conference – ELEVATE ‘27

ELEVATE ‘27

Elevating Dance Education: Creativity, Community and Care

ELEVATE ‘27 aims to unite dance teachers, studio owners, academics, and industry professionals for two enriching days of professional development. The theme underscores RAD’s commitment to teaching excellence through innovation, inclusion, and wellbeing, providing opportunities for practical exploration of teaching strategies, to discover innovative ideas and connect with like-minded professionals across the dance and performing arts community.

The conference will consist of lecture presentations, panel discussions, demonstrations, practical and interactive workshops.

Selected sessions will be recorded and made available for 6 months following the conference to registered ticket holders. Sessions will not be livestreamed.

Further details on upcoming programme announcements including session topics and presenters; sponsors and exhibitors; venue, travel and accommodation options, will be posted on the conference webpage

Keynote speaker

Li Cunxin AO

In his keynote address, Li Cunxin AO reflects on an extraordinary journey, from his beginnings in dance, through his leadership of Queensland Ballet, to a new chapter shaped by health and perspective. Speaking candidly from personal experience, he explores what dance has given him, what it means to build a culture of care within an organisation and what he has learned about prioritising wellbeing amid a demanding creative life. A must-hear address for dance educators dedicating themselves to the next generation.

Li Cunxin began dancing at age 11 when he was selected to join Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy. Graduating in 1979 he took part in a cultural exchange visit to the US and – after a well-documented defection – found a home with the Houston Ballet, becoming principal dancer and staying there for 16 years. Over his career, Li has performed with some of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, winning medals in several international competitions, and eventually becoming principal artist with the Australian Ballet. Following retirement, Li returned to dance with an appointment to the board of the Australian Ballet and in 2012 became the Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet. That same year he sat on the judging panel for the final of the Genée International Ballet Competition in Wellington, New Zealand. His 2003 autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, is an international bestseller and in 2009 it was made into a critically acclaimed feature film. Li is a motivational speaker and mentor and in 2013 was named Queensland’s Australian of the Year, becoming a national finalist for the Australian of the Year Award in 2014.

Programme snapshot

Take a first look at what ELEVATE ’27 has to offer! Stay tuned as we reveal more session topics, presenters and opportunities to connect, learn and share at ELEVATE ’27.

Ticket Information

Fees AUD:

PRESALE in-person tickets: until sold out or 31 August 2026

Two-day tickets – RAD Members $395-$420, Non-members $445

EARLY BIRD in-person tickets: 1 September 2026 – 16 October 2026

Two-day tickets – RAD Members $425-$500, Non-members $525

GENERAL in-person tickets: 17 October 2026 – 3 January 2027

Two-day tickets – RAD Members $475-$550, Non-members $575

One-day tickets – RAD Members $275-$295, Non-members $315

VIDEO ON-DEMAND tickets: 17 October 2026 – 15 January 2027

Two-day tickets – RAD Members $205-$245, Non-members $265

One-day tickets – RAD Members $105-$145, Non-members $165

Ticket inclusions:

In-person two-day tickets:

• Attendance and catering for both conference days, plus the Welcome Reception after the first day
• 6 months access to the recorded sessions
• Elevate ’27 pack
• 16 time valued CPD hours

In-person one-day tickets:

• Attendance and catering for the selected conference day
• 6 months access to the recorded sessions for the selected conference day
• Elevate ’27 pack
• 8 time valued CPD hours

Video on-demand tickets:

• 6 months access to the recorded sessions for the selected conference days (one or two days)
• 6 time valued CPD hours per day upon viewing of all recorded sessions

Further information

Further details on upcoming programme announcements including session topics and presenters; sponsors and exhibitors; venue, travel and accommodation options, will be posted on the conference webpage.

Non-member ticket registrations include an opt-in FREE 6-month RAD membership.

PayPal payment plan options available at checkout.

Become a member to gain exclusive discounts on RAD CPD courses.

Book now →