A strong field of emerging dancers has marked the 2026 Jacqueline Morland Awards, with more than 200 students taking part in one of Queensland’s most respected and keenly anticipated events for young dancers.
Named in honour of the late Jacqueline Morland, whose contribution to dance education continues to be felt across generations, the event remains a major fixture of the Queensland ballet calendar. It gives young dancers the chance to perform on a professional stage in front of a live audience and a respected panel of adjudicators, while also recognising the teachers and training environments that support them.
Presented by the Royal Academy of Dance Australia across 28–29 March at the Molly & Len Draney Theatre, the awards brought together students from Grade 4 through to Advanced 2, offering the opportunity to perform on a professional stage before a live audience and adjudication panel.
Semi-final classes were led by Nicole Galea, with 53 dancers progressing to the finals. A further 50 students performed in group works developed in the weeks leading into the event.
Adjudicator Gaylene Lawrence noted the consistency of the standard across all levels. “I was impressed to see the high standard of excellence in both artistry and technique coming through from the younger dancers through to the senior. The future of ballet looks bright!”
Fellow adjudicator Linda Gamblin described the event as “a truly inspiring celebration of the dedication, discipline and artistry of students, and the extraordinary commitment of the teachers who guide them… a meaningful tribute to the legacy of those who have shaped this artform.”
Awards were presented across each level, alongside encouragement and artistry prizes.
2026 Jacqueline Morland Awards – Results
Grade 4
Winner – Constance Jing Yang (Queensland Dance Centre)
Runner Up – Ava Northage (Qld National Ballet School)
Encouragement – Rubee Roper (Karen Ireland Dance Centre)
Grade 5
Winner – Jackie Radovanovic (Kimberley Woodge Dance Academy)
Runner Up – Abigail Halim (Creative Academy of Performing Arts)
Encouragement – Maya Brennan (The Dance Centre Peregian Springs)
Intermediate Foundation
Winner – Vida Ambrosia Lopera (Kick Dance)
Runner Up – Annie Weng (Queensland Dance Centre)
Encouragement – Phoebe So (Queensland Dance Centre)
Intermediate
Winner – Lani Gehling (Danielle’s Studio of Dance)
Runner Up – Maci Smith (Classical Coaching Australia)
Encouragement – Eloise Ferguson (Claudia Dean World)
Advanced Foundation
Winner – Mackenzie Lightfoot (DE Studios & HQ Classical)
Runner Up – Ruby Miethke (Classical Coaching Australia)
Encouragement – Julieta Maillet (Queensland College of Dance)
Advanced 1 and 2
Winner – Jessica Cooper (Classical Coaching Australia)
Runner Up – Zara Strelen
Encouragement – Eboni Wilson (Claudia Dean World)
Artistry Awards
Louisa Jennings (Premiere Dance Academy)
Penelope Achurch (Annette Roselli Dance Academy)
A series of scholarships were also awarded in partnership with leading training organisations, supporting recipients to further their development with institutions including the Australian Ballet School, Queensland Ballet Academy, Sydney Dance Company and Australasian Dance Collective.
The Jacqueline Morland Awards continue to play a significant role in the RAD calendar, offering young dancers both performance experience and clear pathways into further training.