TDE BLOG


Welcome to the Tasmanian Dance Expo Blog

We’re so excited to launch this space — a place where we can share more than just event updates. The blog will dive deeper into the stories, people, and moments that make the Expo special.

Here you’ll find:

  • Event updates and exciting additions — from new competition divisions and prizes to special workshops and classes
  • Behind-the-scenes features from across the Expo
  • Spotlights on our faculty, students, and alumni
  • Community celebrations of the incredible achievements happening year-round

Our goal is to keep you inspired and connected all year round — not just during Expo weekend.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We’re super excited for what’s ahead! Mark your calendars for August 14–16 at Wrest Point Casino, Hobart. Tickets go on sale October 5th, with early bird discounts available until February 22nd. This is the best time to secure your spot at the lowest price, but don’t wait too long — tickets always move quickly and divisions fill fast.

We’ve also got some exciting new additions rolling out throughout the year, and we’ll be sharing all the details right here on the blog. Stay tuned — you won’t want to miss it!

New for 2026: All Schools Educational Division

We’re excited to announce a brand-new addition to our 2026 program — the All Schools Educational Division!

This division will be held on Friday 14th of August (daytime session) this division gives schools the chance to shine on stage in their own dedicated sections:

  • College (Years 11–12)

  • Secondary (Years 9–10)

  • Secondary (Years 7–8)

  • Primary (Years 3–6)

  • Kinder – Year 2

For full details on entry fees and how to get involved, please email us at admin@tasmaniandanceexpo.com

We can’t wait to welcome all schools from across Tasmania!

Spotlight: Congratulations to Lily Cornish!

We’re thrilled to celebrate one of our very own, Lily Cornish, who has just danced her way into Australian television history! As a professional on Dancing with the Stars Australia, Lily and her partner wowed audiences across the nation, ultimately taking home the Mirror Ball Trophy in the 2025 season.

Lily’s journey is especially close to our hearts — she grew up right here in Tasmania and joined us as a faculty teacher at the Tasmanian Dance Expo two years ago, inspiring our dancers with her artistry and drive. Seeing her go from teaching in Hobart to winning one of the country’s most high-profile dance competitions is a powerful reminder of what passion and perseverance can achieve.

We couldn’t be prouder of Lily, and we know her story will inspire dancers across Tasmania to keep dreaming big.

You can read more about her Dancing with the Stars win here.

Spotlight: Congratulations to Sophie Newett!

We are so excited to highlight the achievements of Sophie Newett, a Tasmanian dancer whose journey has been inspiring to watch.

Sophie grew up training at House of Dance in Tasmania and has been part of the Tasmanian Dance Expo since the very beginning. In 2024, she was awarded our prestigious Protégé spot, recognising her outstanding talent and dedication.

Since then, Sophie has continued to take her passion to new heights. She moved to Sydney to join Brent Street, one of Australia’s leading performing arts schools, and was fortunate to be part of Brent Street’s incredible journey on America’s Got Talent, where they reached the semi-finals and showcased Australian dance to the world.

Most recently, Sophie, along with fellow Tasmanian dancers Claire Morphett, Calvin Ackerly, and Jana Nicol, travelled to Los Angeles where they trained and took class with our very own Lockhart Brownlie at T.Milly. It’s always such a thrill when worlds collide and we see Tasmanian talent making their mark globally while still staying connected to the TDE family.

We’re so proud of Sophie and can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next. She’s proof that with hard work, passion, and resilience, dreams really can become reality.

You can read more about Sophie’s America’s Got Talent journey here.

NEW FOR 2026: National Star Scholarship Program

We’re thrilled to launch a brand-new opportunity in 2026 — the National Star Scholarship Program, designed especially for our Teen Workshop Room dancers.

This prestigious program mirrors our International Star Scholarship, giving teen dancers the chance to showcase their talent on the TDE stage for an incredible prize:
✨ A return trip to Sydney
✨ A scholarship to one of Brent Street Studios’ seasonal workshops

How it works:

  • Teen dancers who wish to be considered will sign up through TryBooking.

  • During workshop classes, faculty members will each select one dancer from the sign-up list.

  • Selected dancers will prepare a one-minute solo (freestyle or choreographed) to perform at the Galaxy Gala.

  • From these performances, one overall winner will be awarded the National Star Scholarship.

This is an incredible opportunity to take your training to the next level, connect with Brent Street, and represent TDE on a national stage!

From Hobart to Hollywood

Renee Ritchie continues to redefine what it means to be a modern creative in the industry. Alongside her work as Co-Director of the Tasmanian Dance Expo, Renee recently stepped into an extraordinary opportunity as Assistant Choreographer on The Jennifer Hudson Show, working on RAYE’s viral hit performance of “Where Is My Husband?”

In this role, Renee became the choreographer on the ground — teaching the full number to the choir and band, refining movement, shaping transitions, and bringing the vision to life moment-to-moment while collaborating virtually with the UK-based lead choreographer. The experience blended live television, powerhouse vocals, comedy, and intricate musicality, becoming one of Renee’s favourite creative projects to date.

Renee’s connection to this opportunity grew naturally from her long-standing collaboration with rising artist Absolutely (RAYE’s sister), whom she has worked with for nearly three years. Renee has been instrumental in guiding Absolutely’s movement direction, artist development, and overall creative identity. Their partnership has become a cornerstone of Renee’s work in Los Angeles.

Most recently, Renee contributed movement direction to Absolutely’s hugely popular release “If You Don’t Know Me Yet”, with the official music video now out in the world. Renee will soon be sharing behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot — snapshots of the energy, trust, and creative synergy that define their work together.

As TDE continues to expand its national and international presence, Renee brings this same passion, detail, and creative excellence back home — inspiring the next generation of dancers to dream boldly, work with purpose, and step into their own unique artistry.

Spotlight: Helayna Miller Takes Her International Star Scholarship to Los Angeles ✨

We are incredibly proud to highlight Helayna Miller, the winner of the International Star Scholarship at the Tasmanian Dance Expo 2026. As part of her award, Helayna received a return trip to Los Angeles along with class passes to some of the world’s most iconic studios — an opportunity she embraced with passion, discipline, and infectious enthusiasm.

During her time in LA, Heylana made the absolute most of every moment. She trained at legendary studios including Millennium Dance Complex, Playground LA, and attended the internationally renowned Radix Dance Convention — immersing herself in new styles, pushing her technique, and expanding her artistic voice.

Her dedication, curiosity, and drive truly shone throughout her trip. Representing Tasmania and the TDE community on the global stage is no small task, and Helayna carried herself with professionalism and joy every step of the way.

We are incredibly proud of her achievements and can’t wait to watch Helayna continue to grow, evolve, and make her mark within the industry. This is only the beginning.

Spotlight: Lockhart Brownlie Returns to Palm Royale on Apple TV+

We’re so proud of our Co-Director, Lockhart Brownlie, who continues to make his mark on the international stage — this time returning to the hit Apple TV+ series Palm Royale!

Lockhart was recently featured as a dancer in several of the show’s major production numbers for Season 2, working under the direction of Abe Sylvia and choreography by the incredible Brooke Lipton. His first appearance kicks off the opening of Season 2, which premiered on November 12 — setting the tone for another season of dazzling performances and over-the-top glamour.

This isn’t Lockhart’s first time shining on Palm Royale — he was also featured in episodes throughout Season 1, bringing his signature energy and artistry to the screen.

We’re thrilled to see one of our own not only shaping the Tasmanian Dance Expo but also continuing to perform at the highest level in film and television.

You can catch Lockhart in Palm Royale — streaming now on Apple TV+.

Look out for Lockhart repping the Tasmanian Dance Expo logo t-shirt in this BTS clip below.