Royal Academy of Dance Australia Celebrates Newest Graduates at 2026 Graduation Ceremony

20 August 2026 02:58

Woman in white dress tosses graduation cap against a red backdrop with Royal Academy of Dance logos

Group of young dancers posing with certificates in front of a red Royal Academy of Dance backdrop at a ceremony

Speaker in a pale pink gown delivers a talk at a podium to a seated audience in a bright studio setting

Two women stand against a red Royal Academy of Dance backdrop while exchanging a blue diploma

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Australia proudly celebrated the achievements of its Faculty of Education graduates at a special graduation celebration on Sunday 16 August 2026, recognising the dedication and accomplishments of the next generation of dance educators.

In 2025, 49 Australian students graduated from programmes across the RAD Faculty of Education, with 26 graduates joining the celebration in person from three programmes: the Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet), Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma (PDGTD) and Diploma in Higher Education (Dance Education).

The event brought graduates together with family, friends, RAD staff and tutors to mark the completion of their studies and celebrate the next stage of their careers in dance education.

Graduates represented at the celebration included:

Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet)

Tara-Lee Clark, Jaclyn Clarke, Talia Ferchow, Natalia Flores, Ebony Gottschleigh, Kate Gresham, Emily Higgins, Shelby Johnson, Amelia Keith, James Kwan, Eva Liang, Samantha Liddell, Stephanie McElroy, Jordy Page, Tahlia Ray, Kirsty Roberts, Ella Tancred, Kaitlyn Tavoletti, Felicity Taylor, Leonie Van Vliet, Sophie Wainwright, Alexandra Wall and Saskia Zuman.

Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma (PDGTD)

Charlotte Jones and Kymberleigh Krzysztofiak.

Diploma in Higher Education (Dance Education)

Lauren Hustler.

The ceremony featured guest addresses from Lindsay Ellman-Brown, RAD Examiner and Faculty of Education Tutor, and Kymberleigh Krzysztofiak, a PDGTD graduate and student representative speaker. Students also received video messages from RAD CEO Elizabeth Honer and Artistic Director, Education & Participation Alexander Campbell.

As a graduate herself, Kymberleigh reflected on her experience as a student and the transition into the next chapter of her career, while Lindsay shared her experience and insights as both an RAD Examiner and educator.

RAD Australia National Director Shelley Yacopetti congratulated the Class of 2025 on their achievements.

“Congratulations to RAD Australia’s Faculty of Education graduates class of 2025. We are incredibly proud of all that you have achieved and look forward to seeing the difference each and every one of you will make as dance educators.”

RAD Australia Faculty of Education Programmes Officer Izzy Olah-Jewell said the graduation celebration was a special opportunity to recognise the students’ hard work and achievements.

“It is always such a pleasure to support our students throughout their studies, and a real privilege to organise this very special, annual event to celebrate their achievements. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 – it has been wonderful to be part of your journey.”

The Royal Academy of Dance is a global leader in dance teacher education, providing internationally recognised training and qualifications for dance teachers and professionals. Through its Faculty of Education, the RAD supports students to develop the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to build successful careers in dance education and contribute to the future of the profession.

The RAD congratulates all members of the Class of 2025 and looks forward to seeing their continued contribution to the dance profession.

For more information about the RAD’s Faculty of Education programmes, visit:

Royal Academy of Dance – Study Dance

Images: Mahan Noori of Digital Canvas Agency