Young dancers from across central and northern Queensland have been recognised in the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards, presented by the Royal Academy of Dance.
Events were held in Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton and Mackay throughout August and September, giving RAD students from regional communities the opportunity to participate in classes, perform and work with experienced dance professionals.
Finalists selected at each regional event advanced to the Overall Finals, with their recorded solo performances screened during an online presentation on Saturday 12 September. The final round was adjudicated by former artistic director of The Australian Ballet David McAllister AC and former Australian Ballet principal artist Fiona Tonkin OAM.
Lesley Arancibia, RAD Regional Manager for Queensland, said the involvement of McAllister and Tonkin was a significant opportunity for the finalists.
“Having the finalists’ performances viewed and adjudicated by two of Australia’s most respected and accomplished dance professionals was a memorable opportunity for our Overall Finalists and a highlight of the 2026 Shirley Treacy Awards,” she said.
“The standard of performances presented throughout all four regions was exceptional, highlighting the dedication of students, teachers and families who continue to support and foster excellence in dance education across regional Queensland.”
The 2026 recipients are:
Grade 4 and 5
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Winner: Matthew Wingham, Dance Junction
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Runner-up: Dakota Darby, Aspire Performing Arts
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Encouragement Award: Elle Cummings, Leisa Payne School of Dance
Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate
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Winner: Ashley Ekert, Turning Pointe Dance Studios
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Runner-up: Isabelle Duffy, Julia Macalpine Dance Studio
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Encouragement Award: Lejla Bobongie-Harris, Leisa Payne School of Dance
Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2
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Winner: Cayden Connors, Turning Pointe Dance Studios
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Runner-up: Demi Minns, Leisa Payne School of Dance
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Encouragement Award: Ruby Tuxworth, Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Four finalists also received scholarship opportunities to support their continued training:
Academy of Queensland Ballet
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Ashley Ekert, Turning Pointe Dance Studios
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Isabelle Duffy, Julia Macalpine Dance Studio
The Australian Ballet School
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Cayden Connors, Turning Pointe Dance Studios
Sydney Dance Company
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Demi Minns, Leisa Payne School of Dance
The regional events were adjudicated by Susan Sargison in Townsville, Chrishanthi Nagendra in Cairns, Samantha Simpson in Rockhampton and Karen Perring in Mackay.
The Shirley Treacy Awards are named in honour of Shirley Treacy OAM, a Townsville-born ballet teacher, RAD examiner and Life Member. The annual program continues her commitment to encouraging young dancers and expanding access to dance opportunities in regional Queensland.
The RAD also acknowledged the teachers, families, volunteers and local communities involved in the four events, along with local supporters and national event sponsors Bloch, Energetiks and Capezio.