RAD New Zealand | INSPIRE 2026

Sunday 6 September 2026

Starts at 9:00am

Event Date:

Sunday 6 September 2026

Event Time:

Starts at 9:00am

Location:

New Zealand

Available Online?

Who’s it for?

This event is open to everyone

Fee:

Members – $45
Non Members – $55

Buy Tickets →

Come and witness the excitement of INSPIRE, as talented young candidates take to the stage in a day of performance, artistry and achievement.

Throughout the day, candidates will participate in an open Classical Class and present a programme of solo repertoire before an audience and an expert panel of adjudicators. Each performance is assessed live as dancers aim to secure a place in the INSPIRE Final performance.

Venue

Te Whaea – National Dance & Drama Centre

11 Hutchison Street, Newton

Wellington

Ticket Prices

Membership Type	Price
Current RAD Member*	$45
Non Member	$55
RNZB Staff/Dancers	$30
NZSD Students	$30

Buy Tickets

Seating is not allocated

Programme

Coming soon

Awards

INSPIRE offers the following awards:

The INSPIRE Award – $8,000
The Elvira Macrae Award – $6,000
The Sir Jon Trimmer Award – $4,000
All remaining finalists receive a Gloria Macrae Finalists’ Award of $500

Candidates will perform

Each candidate presents a programme of work consisting of:

An open classical class (1.5 hours)
Two studies
A classical variation selected from the listed 19th Century repertoire variations
The RAD Centenary Variation, choreographed by Sarah Foster-Sproull

From these performances, 8–10 finalists will be selected to present their classical variation and the RAD Centenary Variation again in the evening INSPIRE Final.

INSPIRE Final

In the evening, finalists return to the stage for the INSPIRE Final performance, presenting their selected variations once more in front of the audience and adjudication panel as final awards are determined.

INSPIRE offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience both the technical excellence and artistic growth of emerging dancers in a professional performance setting.

Further information

Payment information

An invoice will be generated and sent to you within 1–2 business days. Please wait to receive your invoice before making payment.

Bank Account: Royal Academy of Dance 01 0517 0198208 00

Please note that payments made by credit or debit card will incur a 2.5% surcharge, which will be added at checkout

How to buy tickets

Click on the buy tickets button above which will take you to a form to fill in.

Terms and Conditions

Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand Event Booking Terms & Conditions

This page outlines the standard Terms and Conditions that apply to all Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand ticketed events.

By purchasing a ticket to any Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand event, you agree to the following terms.

Tickets

All tickets are subject to availability.
A valid ticket (printed or electronic) must be presented for entry.
Tickets must not be resold or transferred for commercial gain.

Seating

Unless otherwise stated, seating is general admission and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We recommend arriving early to allow time for check-in and seating.

Refunds

All ticket sales are final.
Refunds will only be considered if an event is cancelled or significantly changed by the Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand.
Where a refund is approved, a 10% administration fee will be deducted from the ticket price.
Refunds will not be provided for change of mind, illness, travel delays or inability to attend.

Event Changes

The Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand reserves the right to make changes to event programmes, schedules, presenters, performers, venues or running times where necessary. Such changes do not entitle ticket holders to a refund.

Admission

The Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand reserves the right to refuse admission or require any person to leave an event if their behaviour is considered unsafe, disruptive, offensive or likely to affect the enjoyment of others.
Late admission may be delayed until a suitable break in the programme or performance.

Photography, Filming and Mobile Devices

Photography, video recording and audio recording during performances or presentations are not permitted unless prior approval has been granted.

Mobile phones and electronic devices must be switched to silent or turned off during performances and presentations.

Official photography and videography may take place during events. By attending, you acknowledge that you may appear in photographs or recordings used by the Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand for promotional, educational or archival purposes.

Accessibility

If you have any accessibility requirements or require assistance to attend an event, please contact the Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand prior to the event. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Children

Children must hold a valid ticket where applicable and remain under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times.

Health & Safety

Attendees must follow all directions provided by Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand staff and venue personnel and comply with venue health and safety requirements at all times.

Code of Conduct

We are committed to providing a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for all attendees, performers, presenters, volunteers and staff. Behaviour that is abusive, threatening, discriminatory or disruptive will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event without refund.

Force Majeure

If an event is cancelled, postponed or significantly affected due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, venue closures or other unforeseen events, ticket holders will be advised as soon as practicable. Refunds or alternative arrangements may be offered at the discretion of the Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand.

Personal Property

The Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand and event venues accept no responsibility for loss, theft or damage of personal belongings while attending events.

Contact

For any ticketing enquiries, please contact the Royal Academy of Dance New Zealand prior to the event.

INSPIRE 2026