Longtime RAD Australia Director to step down

After 29 years as National Director of the Royal Academy of Dance in Australia, Bronwyn Watkins will be retiring in July 2019. Watkins is the longest serving National Director of RAD Australia, the largest RAD national office outside London.

Watkins has overseen significant growth and expansion of the RAD’s activities in Australia during her tenure. She has been responsible for introducing a range of new programmes and syllabi, the redevelopment of RAD Australia’s Sydney headquarters, and developed initiatives that have widened access to dance for all ages and abilities across Australia.

During Watkins’ leadership, RAD Australia has broken new ground, earning local recognition throughout, as one of the world’s leading dance education and training organisations. With a firm commitment to deliver dance for all, her leadership has seen RAD Australia undertake projects to encourage more boys to dance (Project B) and also Silver Swans, ballet classes designed specifically for the over 55’s in Australia. 

In 2002, the Genée International Ballet Competition was held in Sydney. This was the first time the prestigious competition had been held outside London, and Steven McRae (now principal dancer at The Royal Ballet) won the gold medal on home soil. The competition returned to Sydney in 2016 to great acclaim.

Watkins’ time as National Director has also been defined by forging a range of partnerships with leading dance and arts organisations across Australia. Projects have been undertaken with Ausdance, World Dance Alliance, and Dance and the Child International, allowing RAD Australia to bring dance to more people in more places.

Watkins reflected, “It has been an honour and a privilege leading the Academy in Australia over these years, supported by a hardworking and dedicated team of staff and volunteers, some for 20-25 years. Both the staff and the membership have been a source of inspiration to me.” 

“As the Academy approaches its centenary I am pleased to be leaving RAD Australia as a stronger, more accessible and engaged leader in the field of dance education and training than ever before,” Watkins concluded.

Chief Executive Luke Rittner said, “Bronwyn Watkins has led RAD Australia with loyalty, commitment and distinction for almost 30 years. Over a period of rapid change, Bronwyn has provided continuity and stability while also ensuring the Academy has evolved and is fit for purpose in the 21st Century. With a strong regional structure and a dedicated and professional team in Sydney, Bronwyn leaves RAD Australia financially sound and playing an active and respected role as a leading player in the dance industry in Australia.”

Recruitment for a new RAD Australia National Director begins immediately. For more information, visit www.rad.org.au. 

Headshot of Bronwyn Watkins courtesy of RAD Australia.