Queensland Rising Talent Recognised at RAD Australia’s 2026 Jacqueline Morland Awards
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia is proud to celebrate the success of the 2026 Jacqueline Morland Awards, held on 28–29 March at the Molly & Len Draney Theatre.
A highlight of the RAD calendar in Queensland, the Jacqueline Morland Awards are the state’s flagship event. Named in honour of the late Jacqueline Morland, the awards recognise her lifelong dedication to dance education and her lasting impact on the ballet community. Today, her legacy continues to inspire generations of young dancers.
The event brings together students from across Queensland and Northern New South Wales, offering a unique opportunity to perform on a professional stage in front of a live audience and an esteemed panel of adjudicators.
This year, more than 200 students participated in semi-final classes led by Nicole Galea, with 53 dancers progressing through to the finals. In addition, 50 students performed in group works developed over four weeks in the lead-up to the event. Participants represented levels from Grade 4 through to Advanced 1 and 2, showcasing the strength and depth of training across the region.
Adjudicator Gaylene Lawrence reflected on the experience:
“I felt privileged to be invited to adjudicate the recent RAD Jacqueline Morland Awards. It was a wonderfully organised and professional event to be part of. I was impressed to see the high standard of excellence in both artistry and technique coming through from the younger dancers through to the senior levels. The future of ballet looks bright.”
Fellow adjudicator Linda Gamblin added:
“The Jacqueline Morland Awards 2026 was a truly inspiring celebration of the dedication, discipline and artistry of students, and the extraordinary commitment of the teachers who guide them. An impeccably delivered event, with seamless organisation and thoughtful scheduling, creating a professional and inspiring experience for all. A meaningful tribute to the legacy of those who have shaped this artform, honouring the generations before while inspiring those who will carry it forward.”
Awards were presented across each level, recognising excellence in performance alongside encouragement and artistry. A number of scholarships were also awarded, offering recipients valuable opportunities to further their training with leading dance organisations across Australia.
2026 Prize Winners
Grade 4
Winner – Constance Jing Yang, Queensland Dance Centre
Runner Up – Ava Northage, Qld National Ballet School
Encouragement – Rubee Roper, Karen Ireland Dance Centre
Grade 5
Winner – Jackie Radovanovic, Kimberley Woodge Dance Academy
Runner Up – Abigail Halim, Creative Academy of Performing Arts
Encouragement – Maya Brennan, The Dance Centre Peregian Springs
Intermediate Foundation
Winner – Vida Ambrosia Lopera, Kick Dance
Runner Up – Annie Weng, Queensland Dance Centre
Encouragement – Phoebe So, Queensland Dance Centre
Intermediate
Winner – Lani Gehling, Danielle’s Studio of Dance
Runner Up – Maci Smith, Classical Coaching Australia
Encouragement – Eloise Ferguson, Claudia Dean World
Advanced Foundation
Winner – Mackenzie Lightfoot, DE Studios & HQ Classical
Runner Up – Ruby Miethke, Classical Coaching Australia
Encouragement – Julieta Maillet, Queensland College of Dance
Advanced 1 and 2
Winner – Jessica Cooper, Classical Coaching Australia
Runner Up – Zara Strelen
Encouragement – Eboni Wilson, Claudia Dean World
Artistry Awards
Louisa Jennings, Queensland College of Dance
Penelope Achurch, Annette Roselli Dance Academy
Scholarship Awards
RAD Australia proudly awards training scholarships in partnership with leading institutions to support the continued development of emerging dancers:
- Australasian Dance Collective – Eboni Wilson, Claudia Dean World
- Australian Ballet School – Carter Gibson, ABDS Kids
- Australian Ballet School – Sienna Wescott, HQ Classical & DE Studios
- Queensland Ballet Academy – Rubee Roper, Karen Ireland Dance Centre
- Queensland Ballet Academy – Vida Ambrosia Lopera, Kick Dance
- Sydney Dance Company – Ever Jewel Chaffey, Queensland College of Dance
- Sydney Dance Company – Imogen Shirreff, The Dance Centre Peregian Springs
RAD Australia extends its sincere thanks to national sponsors Bloch Australia, Energetiks and Capezio, as well as event partners, volunteers, teachers, parents and the Queensland Regional Advisory Panel. Their continued support plays a vital role in the success and ongoing growth of this flagship event.
Images: BWP Studios
