Celebrating 90 years of exams in New Zealand

A remarkable weekend of dance in New Zealand brought together past, present and future as the Royal Academy of Dance celebrated 90 years of examinations in New Zealand.

Held at Te Whaea in Wellington, the three-day celebration opened with the prestigious Solo Seal, providing an opportunity to witness the exceptional artistry, musicality and technical accomplishment of the candidates. Their performances reflected not only the high standards of RAD training, but also the dedication and commitment that lie behind every dancer’s journey. Solo Seal was followed by a presentation of certificates to the 2025 Faculty of Education graduates who had completed the Professional Dancers’ Graduate Teaching Diploma and Certificate in Dance Teaching. These internationally recognised qualifications equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to become highly effective RAD teachers, helping to ensure that the quality and integrity of RAD training continues for future generations.

Saturday evening marked the 90th anniversary of the first RAD examinations held in New Zealand. The occasion brought together generations of the RAD community and celebrated the remarkable contribution of teachers, examiners, students, Area Organisers and National Directors who have shaped the Academy’s history in this country. Among the distinguished guests were RAD Vice President Li Cunxin and his wife, Mary Li. Li presented Anne Rowse, who sat her first RAD examination in 1937, with an Honorary Fellowship of the RAD in recognition of her outstanding contribution to dance and the Academy in New Zealand over many decades. Tarrant Dancers brought the history of RAD to life with Dancing Through the Decades, performing excerpts from RAD syllabi spanning 90 years, including the much-loved Birdcage Dance and Sailors’ Hornpipe. Li and Mary also shared their passion for dance and their belief in the opportunities it can provide, making a memorable contribution to an evening celebrating the enduring impact of ballet.

The weekend concluded with INSPIRE, the RAD’s flagship dance scholarship competition for talented dancers with potential, judged by Li and Mary. The exceptional standard of the finalists provided an inspiring showcase of the depth of talent emerging from dance training in New Zealand, while the presentation of awards by the RAD’s associated charity, the 14+ Dance Scholarship Foundation, offered tangible support for further ballet training for the young winners.

Across three events, the weekend celebrated achievement, honoured a remarkable history and, most importantly, looked ahead to the future of dance.