Ausdance SA Awards

Some of the most important people in dance aren’t the most visible. They’re the ones who show up consistently, support others, and help shape a positive, respectful culture in their studio, school or community.

 This year, Ausdance SA is marking International Dance Day (29 April) – a global celebration of dance – by recognising those people.

 We’re introducing two awards, focussed not on talent or profile, but on contribution, integrity, and the role they have played in strengthening their dance community:

The awards will be presented at on Sunday 3 May 2026 at Connecting for the Future: Beyond the Studio, a sector gathering focussed on what happens beyond our own studios and settings.

  • Ticket sales open Monday 6 April
  • Early bird price available until Monday 20 April

Nominations close Wednesday 29 April 2026

Dance Teacher of the Year

Ausdance SA is looking to celebrate the dance teachers of this state. Whether they teach the very young, teenagers, future professionals, adults or the elderly, in schools, studios, community groups or tertiary institutions, Ausdance SA salutes them. They are unsung heroes who often fly well under the radar, allowing instead, for their students to shine. If you want to nominate your dance teacher, a peer or a dance teacher you know who is going above and beyond in sharing the joy and inherent value of dance in all it’s wonder, nominate them now.

Eligibility criteria

  • Must be a dance teacher at a school, studio, community group or tertiary institution in South Australia
  • Nominee and nominators must be members of Ausdance SA (if you are not a member, you can join here
  • Any conflict of interest associated with Ausdance SA board membership must be declared.

The successful award recipient will receive

  • Ausdance SA Teacher of the Year trophy
  • $300 towards a professional learning activity of your choice (in consultation with Ausdance SA)
  • certificate
  • professional recognition for your use in promotional materials/events
  • newsletter article about the reward recipient

Nomination process

  • Nominations will be though an online form, submitted by April 22, 2026 . APPLY HERE
  • Nominations must address each of the selection criteria listed 
  • Nominations can be made by anyone working in the dance sector industry, as long as they are AusdanceSA members.
  • Self-nomination is also an option
  • AusdanceSA encourages applications from regional areas and First Nations nominees

Selection criteria

  • dedication to dance and dance teaching; our winner is making a significant, positive contribution to dance in South Australia
  • commitment to personal and professional growth as a dance educator, keeping abreast of current initiatives
  • inclusive in their approach to dance teaching
  • demonstrates commitment to dancer wellbeing and safe dance practice (physical, emotional and psychological)
  • actively promotes a positive dance culture (this could relate to work within their teaching environment as well as the broader community)

Award presentation

Award recipients will be announced at the Connecting for the Future – Beyond the studio event on Sunday May 3 from 1pm- 4pm at the Australian Dance Theatre studios , Queen Street, Norwood. All nominees attend free.

Nominate Teacher now

Dance Student of the Year

Ausdance SA is looking to celebrate the dance students of this state. The students who strive to be their best, are consistent and dedicated to their dancing, apply themselves always and support those around them to do the same. The students reflect the values of Ausdance SA.

Eligibility criteria

  • Age – 8 to 18
  • May be a student in a studio, school, community group or tertiary institution
  • Nominating person must be a member of Ausdance SA
  • Student must be a resident of South Australia

The successful award recipient will receive

  • Ausdance SA Student of the Year trophy
  • $150 towards an experience that will progress their dance development for example, a performance ticket, workshop fees, travel/accommodation, exam fees, (in consultation with Ausdance SA). 
  • certificate and letter from Ausdance SA President 
  • newsletter article about the award recipient
  • recipient becomes an Ausdance SA Ambassador

Nomination process

  • Nominations will be though an online form, submitted by April 22, 2026 . APPLY HERE
  • Nominations must address each of the selection criteria listed 
  • Nomination are to be made by the students’ teachers
  • Teachers may nominate no more than 3 students from the same studio/school/community group/tertiary institution  
  • Applications will need to address the selection criteria
  • AusdanceSA encourages nominees from regional areas and First Nations communities

Selection criteria

  • dedication to dance; consistent in positive application, attendance and attitude
  • serves as a role model for and is supportive of, others in their class/s 
  • contributes to the development of the dance community in their studio/school/community group/tertiary institution  
  • has shown progress as a dancer and personal growth 

Award presentation

Award recipients will be announced at the Connecting for the Future – Beyond the studio event on Sunday May 3 from 1pm- 4pm at the Australian Dance Theatre studios , Queen Street, Norwood.  All nominees attend free.

 

 

Nominate student now