Honorary awardees at the RAD Awards 2025 ceremony 

Last week, we were proud to honour five individuals who have each made an outstanding contribution to the RAD and dance teaching profession.

Lucia Millas, Thérèse Cantine, and the late Dr. Susan (Susie) Cooper were presented with the RAD’s prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Dance (FRAD), which is awarded to individuals in recognition of a long period of outstanding service to both the RAD and the art of ballet. Diana Curry was awarded Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Choreology, and Ida Levine received the RAD President’s Award.

Commenting on the news, Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of the RAD, said: “The awardees have each had their own unique and transformational impact on the world of dance, inspiring countless people across the globe in a myriad of ways. Their enduring dedication, passion and excellence are an example to us all, and it is fitting that they have been recognised in this way.”

Dr. Susan (Susie) Cooper

Born in Hammersmith, London, Susie Cooper trained at The Royal Ballet School and danced with Ballet Rambert and Scottish Ballet. After completing her teacher training, she joined the RAD as a full-time tutor on the degree programmes, going on to become an external examiner for degree programmes at the UK’s leading dance and vocational schools.

Susie’s work influenced, directed, and inspired thousands of teachers, and through them, many more thousands of dancers – she had a unique ability to understand and communicate with young people, which transcended generations. The FRAD award was given posthumously to Susie, who passed away last year. Valerie Hitchin received the award on her behalf.

Thérèse Cantine

Born in Woodstock, New York, Thérèse is widely known for her professionalism, profound knowledge of the artform, and exceptional teaching. Thérèse came to the UK aged nine and is a former soloist with Northern Ballet and an alumnus of the RAD. An RAD examiner and CPD Tutor for over 30 years, she was also involved in the standardisation and training of new examiners. 

A former tutor on the RAD’s degree programmes, she has generously shared her knowledge and wisdom with future generations of teachers. 

Lucia Millas

Opening her first school in 1969, Lucia was one of the first teachers to attend the teacher training courses when the RAD was introduced to the Brazilian dance community through Dalal Achcar, a great friend of the RAD’s first president, Dame Margot Fonteyn. With no printed syllabi available, Lucia meticulously transcribed the exercises by hand. 

As an RAD examiner for 28 years and the main RAD tutor in Brazil for over 30 years, she has shaped many generations of teachers who have continued to work in Brazil and internationally. Lucia is a highly regarded and much-admired person in the Brazilian dance community who has helped develop and expand the RAD in Brazil.

Diana Curry

Diana Curry graduated from the Benesh Institute in 1978 and since then, has worked continuously in the field of dance notation and reconstruction, working with notable dance companies in restaging new and heritage works.

Diana has tutored and mentored many generations of choreologists. She continues to be in demand today, recording and reconstructing lost MacMillan works from old film footage to preserve their posterity. 

Ida Levine 

Ida Levine was introduced to the RAD at the Dame Antoinette Sibley Luncheon in 2012. She helped launch RAD’s fundraising effort in 2014. Ida has been a Trustee since 2016 and Chaired its Development and Fundraising committee.

Taking ballet classes from childhood, Ida remains passionate about ballet and is an enthusiastic RAD Silver Swan, enjoying the wonderful ballet offering here in the UK. 

Pictured: Lucia Millas and Thérèse Cantine with RAD Chief Executive, Elizabeth Honer. Photo by Donna Ford.