The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is proud to announce the winners of the RAD Awards 2026. The awards celebrate global excellence, lasting impact and sustained contributions to dance and dance education. Nine individuals were honoured at a ceremony at the RAD’s headquarters in London late last month, as part of its Members’ Conference 2026.
The awards honoured dance teachers and professionals across the world for their commitment to and excellence in dance teaching. The judges were Yaël Owen, Shevelle Dynott MBE, Zoie Golding MBE and RAD’s Artistic Director, Alexander Campbell.
The 2026 RAD Awards winners are:
- Community & Learner Impact Award: Ruth Shine (Ireland)
- Innovation & Creativity in Dance Education Award: Galatia Savva (Cyprus)
- Early Career-Emerging Teacher Award: Pia Muschaweckh (Germany)
- Mentorship & Advocacy Award: Anne Desbruslais (UK)
Honourable mention: Ann Coffey Tighe (Ireland) - Wellbeing & Inclusion Champion Award: Emma McMahon (UK)
Special awards were also presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Royal Academy of Dance, dance teaching and the wider dance community:
- Fellowship of the RAD (FRAD): Anne Rowse (New Zealand) and Jane Pirani (Australia). The Fellowship is the highest honour the RAD bestows upon senior teaching members and prominent figures within the organisation.
- President’s Award: Imogen Knight (UK), recognizing individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the world of dance or provided exceptional, long-standing service to the RAD and its mission.
- Fellow of the Institute of Choreology: Kendra Johnson (UK), an honorary distinction awarded to Benesh Movement Notation members who have made an exceptional contribution to the field.
Speaking of the news, Elizabeth Honer, Chief Executive of the RAD said, “My warmest congratulations to the winners of the RAD Awards 2026. All of those nominated, as well as the winners, embody our highest standards of dance teaching excellence and artistry, bringing such commitment and joy to their communities.”
Receiving the Fellow of the Institute of Choreology distinction came as a surprise for Kendra Johnson, who said she had never considered herself eligible for the honour after 25 years as a Benesh Choreologist.
“It is impossible to convey how astonished and honoured I felt when I received the news that I was also to receive this award,” said Johnson.
The Fellowship of the RAD was awarded to Anne Rowse and Jane Pirani, recognising their significant contributions to the organisation and dance education. Pirani said she was “truly humbled” by the honour, adding that the recognition had taken her by “complete and utter surprise.”
For more information about the Royal Academy of Dance, the RAD Awards and the organisation’s upcoming initiatives, visit www.royalacademyofdance.org.
