Adjudicator

Ben Conquest

Born and raised in Sydney, Ben trained with the Seaton Academy of Dance and Halliday Dance Centre. During his training he performed as the lead in the musical Oliver!and in Baz Lurhmann’s Australian Opera production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

 

Ben was then offered a place at the Australian Ballet School where he received the Kelvin Coe Memorial scholarship, graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Dance, and also receiving his ARAD title completing his Royal Academy of Dancing Advanced certificate with Honours. Here Ben also danced with the Dancer’s Company as well as The Australian Ballet. He then went on to dance as an artist with the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company.

 

During his time with the company, Ben danced numerous soloist and principal roles, choreographed contemporary dance works, and had the opportunity to perform nationally and internationally. He then went on to pursue a University Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Australia, where he also commenced his professional career as a dance teacher and coach training full time elite dance students. Ben is thrilled to be here to adjudicate at the Canberra Dance Festival.