Shirley Treacy Awards 2026 – Cairns Finalists Announced
Talented young dancers from across Far North Queensland came together on Sunday 30 August for the Cairns round of the Shirley Treacy Awards 2026, held at All Saints Theatre, St Andrews Catholic College.
Celebrating RAD students throughout regional Queensland, the Shirley Treacy Awards provide an opportunity for young dancers to develop their performance skills, gain valuable experience and share their love of dance in front of a live audience.
Following a wonderful day of classes and performances, we are delighted to announce the Cairns Overall Finalists:
Grade 4/5
Beatrice Ramos – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Matthew Wingham – Dance Junction
Honourable Mention: Evie Creighton – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Intermediate Foundation / Intermediate
Ashley Ekert – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Isabelle Duffy – Julia Macalpine Dance Studio
Honourable Mention: Isla Stokes – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Advanced Foundation / Advanced 1/2
Ruby Tuxworth – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Cayden Connors – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Honourable Mention: Angelique Ellis – Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Candidates were guided through classes by Sarah Thorne, presenting their work to adjudicator Chrishanthi Nagendra.
An experienced dance educator and RAD International Examiner for more than 20 years, Chrishanthi has taught across Australia, England and Sri Lanka. Throughout her career, she has nurtured young dancers, supported scholarship recipients and championed opportunities for people to experience dance within their communities.
The six Cairns finalists will join those selected from Townsville, Rockhampton and Mackay for the final stage of the 2026 Awards, with the overall winners to be revealed during an online presentation on Saturday 12 September.
Named in honour of Shirley Treacy OAM, a Townsville-born RAD ballet teacher, examiner and Life Member, the Awards continue her legacy of supporting and encouraging young dancers across regional Queensland.
Congratulations to our Cairns finalists and to every student who took part in this year’s event. We also extend our thanks to the teachers, families and supporters whose encouragement helped make the day possible.
Shirley Treacy Awards 2026
Online Awards Presentation: Saturday 12 September 2026 | Via Zoom
Further details about the online presentation will be shared ahead of the event.
