03/07/2026
Deeply saddened to hear this news. A truly remarkable and beautiful lady. RIP Audrey 💔
The Royal Academy of Dance is deeply saddened to share the passing of Life Member, Fellow, former RAD Graded Examiner, teacher, mentor and friend, Audrey Nicholls OAM FRAD ARAD.
One of Australia’s most respected and admired ballet educators, Audrey dedicated most of her life to the art of dance. She inspired generations of dancers and teachers throughout Australia and across the international Royal Academy of Dance community. Her passion for classical ballet, commitment to excellence and unwavering belief in nurturing young dancers leave a legacy that will endure for many years to come.
Audrey’s contribution to the Royal Academy of Dance was extraordinary. Appointed as an RAD Graded Examiner in 1973, she served with distinction for more than three decades, examining students across Australia and internationally. She later became a Tutor on the Academy’s teacher training programmes and was a trusted advisor for new examiners, generously sharing her knowledge and experience. Countless teachers credit Audrey’s encouragement, wisdom and high standards as instrumental in shaping their own teaching careers.
Her dedication to the Academy was recognised with many honours throughout her life. Audrey was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Dance in 2011 in recognition of her remarkable service to the organisation, and in 2013 she received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the performing arts, particularly ballet. She also served as Patron of the RAD Victoria/Tasmania Regional Advisory Panel, remaining an active and valued presence within the Academy up to most recently.
RAD Australia National Director Shelley Yacopetti shares:
“On behalf of the RAD, I extend our sincere condolences to Audrey’s family and to her colleagues around the world. She will be sadly missed and warmly remembered as a vibrant and brilliant person with a deep love of and connection to dance. The RAD is enormously grateful for Audrey’s contribution – as an Examiner, teacher, mentor and trusted advisor, and we will remain forever grateful for the lasting impact she made.”
Audrey’s passing is deeply felt across the dance community. While her physical presence will be greatly missed, her remarkable contribution to Australian ballet and the Royal Academy of Dance lives on through the countless teachers she mentored, the dancers she inspired and the enduring legacy of the Audrey Nicholls Awards.
Read more: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-au/news-and-facts/vale-audrey-nicholls-oam-frad-arad/
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