What’s happening?
The prestigious Shirley Treacy Awards are coming to Mackay on Sunday 10 August 2025.
Presented by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), this highly anticipated ballet event will take place at The Theatre at the Conservatorium of Music, giving regional students the opportunity to perform live on stage in front of a local audience.
Named in honour of Shirley Treacy OAM, a Townsville-born dance educator and RAD Life Member, these Awards celebrate young ballet students in regional Queensland. They provide an opportunity to showcase artistry, gain confidence, and be recognised by the wider dance community.
All registered RAD students from Mackay and surrounding areas will participate in an open class conducted live on stage. From these, selected regional finalists will be announced.
Finalists will then perform their chosen solo variations (excluding character dance) in front of family, friends, teachers, and an expert adjudicator. These performances will also be recorded for the next stage of judging.
Why it matters
The Shirley Treacy Awards offer an important platform for young regional dancers to be seen and celebrated within their own communities. These Awards not only honour Shirley Treacy’s lifelong work in strengthening dance education across regional Australia but also encourage the next generation of performers to pursue their passion.
The 2025 Awards mark the first time Mackay candidates will perform live on stage as part of the regional selections. For students in Mackay, it means more than just a performance; it’s a step forward in their dance journey and a chance to be part of a growing regional tradition.
Local Impact
By hosting the event, Mackay becomes part of a select group of regional centres involved in the Awards, including Townsville, Cairns, and Rockhampton. Local students will not need to travel far to take part in a professionally run, high-profile event that connects them with a broader dance network.
The event also brings respected RAD adjudicator Julie-Anne Kerr to Mackay. Kerr is known for mentoring students who have gone on to compete at major ballet competitions such as the Prix de Lausanne, the Alana Haines Awards, and The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition.
By the Numbers
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4 regional centres are hosting the Awards in 2025: Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, and Cairns
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Each candidate performs in an open class before selected dancers return as regional finalists
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Finalists’ solo recordings will be judged and streamed at the Online Awards Presentation on Sunday 14 September 2025
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Prize winners will receive gift vouchers, prize money, and fast-track entry into the 2026 Jacqueline Morland Awards
Zoom In
In Mackay, this year’s regional judging will be led by Julie-Anne Kerr, whose experience in examining and mentoring young dancers brings valuable insight to the event. Her presence reinforces the quality and credibility of the Awards, ensuring that students are seen by someone with a strong track record in developing future talent.
Each stage of the event is thoughtfully designed, from the open class in the morning to the solo performances in the afternoon. Not only does this format showcase individual skill, but it also builds a sense of performance readiness in a supportive community setting.
Zoom Out
The Shirley Treacy Awards are a relatively new addition to the RAD’s calendar but carry deep meaning and regional importance. Named for Shirley Treacy OAM, the Awards reflect her legacy as a tireless advocate for regional dance. Treacy co-founded the Queensland Dance School of Excellence (now Queensland Ballet Academy), examined for RAD for over four decades, and earned the highest honours within the organisation. Her work helped lay the foundation for the very students now taking the stage.
The Awards’ structure, including local open classes, regional solos, and national adjudication via recorded performance, ensures wide access and fairness. They also bring national visibility to dancers who might otherwise go unrecognised beyond their hometown studios.
What to look for next?
After regional finalists are announced in Mackay, their performances will be sent to guest adjudicators for the next stage.
The winners will be revealed during the Online Awards Presentation on Sunday 14 September 2025, open for all to attend.
Selected finalists from Mackay will then join others across Queensland in the fast lane toward one of the country’s most respected competitions, the 2026 Jacqueline Morland Awards.
