8 June 2020 11:32
Bronwyn Watkins AM FRAD recognised for significant service to the performing arts through dance administration.
Former National Director for RAD Australia, Bronwyn Watkins was recognised in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her significant service to the performing arts through dance administration. Bronwyn, who was National Director from 1990 to 2019 has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award.
In July 2019 Bronwyn was also awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Dance presented by RAD Vice President and Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet, Li Cunxin who commended Bronwyn on her ‘nearly three decades of incredible service to dance in Australia. Bronwyn’s enthusiasm, passion, dedication and commitment to the art form and her vision and leadership have truly made an enormous difference for 29 years.’
At the same time RAD Chief Executive Luke Rittner also said
“In terms of longevity of service and of achievement, loyalty and dedication there can be no more deserving recipient of a Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Dance than Bronwyn. I salute her and all she has done in her long and distinguished record of service.”
In receiving an Order of Australia Medal, Bronwyn’s contribution to the Academy and the wider field of Dance Education in Australia has been celebrated. During her tenure as National Director, RAD Australia launched the Academy’s qualifications in ballet education including the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and the Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Teaching Certificate (PDPTC), as well rolling out major global initiatives to increase access to dance such as Silver Swans and Project B. She also oversaw the hosting of the Genée International Ballet Competition in 2002, the first time the competition had been hosted outside of London and again in 2016.
A commitment to the growth of the Academy saw Bronwyn forge a number of partnerships with leading dance and arts organisations across Australia and beyond. These partnerships involved projects with Ausdance to support emerging artists, World Dance Alliance and Dance and the Child International in an event with links to UNESCO and the rights of the child to dance.
RAD Australia is immensely proud of Bronwyn’s achievements and offers her our warmest congratulations on behalf of the whole global RAD community.