Canberra teachers receive prestigious award

Two Canberra-based ballet teachers registered with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) recently received one of the highest forms of recognition the dance education organisation can bestow – a President’s Award.

Renowned ballet dancer and former principal with The Royal Ballet, Dame Darcey Bussell, is the current RAD President and along with a select committee from the academy’s global head office in London has decided to grant the honour of this award on Lisa Clarke and Kim Harvey, both from the Canberra region following nominations from the dance community in the region.

RAD’s President’s Award, established in 1992, is given to an individual who has for many years dedicated themselves over and above the call of duty to the RAD in particular and to the art of dance in general.

Lisa Clarke studied dance education in the UK before returning to Australia and teaching in Canberra. She is a founding member of the RAD’s voluntary Regional Advisory Panel in ACT and Riverina, which was formed to provide opportunities for RAD students to take part in events to further their training in ballet and mark their achievements in awards days and annual gala performances. In this capacity, Clarke played the role of panel chair and devoted countless hours to supporting not only her own dance school’s students but thousands of other dance enthusiasts and educators in the Canberra region over the years. She’s also a tutor and mentor for new dance teachers on the academy’s Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies programme (CBTS). 

Kim Harvey also runs her own dance studio in the Canberra region and again was a founding member of the same voluntary Regional Advisory Panel, supporting the RAD in delivering high quality events and experiences for its students and teachers. A wonderful role model for her students and peers, Harvey has led the way in driving support for young dancers from the dance world and broader communities. 

RAD Australia National Director Bronwyn Watkins said, “These two teachers have been an integral part of the RAD community in the ACT/Riverina region for over 20 years. Their dedication to dance and generosity with their time over the years has seen the academy’s activities in the region grow and flourish. I am thrilled that both Lisa and Kim are being recognised with this prestigious award for their achievements and add my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to them both.”

The awards were presented by Watkins and RAD Chief Executive Luke Rittner when he visited Australia from the UK head office and attended the Regional Advisory Panel Annual General Meeting on Sunday, February 10. For more information on RAD Australia, visit www.rad.org.au.

Photo: Lisa Clarke, Luke Rittner, Bronwyn Watkins and Kim Harvey. Photo courtesy of The Royal Academy of Dance.