Mark Brinkley OAM

Honoured Guest, AABC 2026

Mark Brinkley OAM is a towering figure in Australian ballet, celebrated for his brilliance as both a performer and a mentor. With a career that bridges the golden age of The Australian Ballet and today’s evolving dance landscape, his artistry, leadership, and enduring influence mark him as one of the great custodians of classical ballet in Australasia.

Trained under Pam Petrie and Phyllis Danaher, Mark entered The Australian Ballet School in 1970, graduating with top honours. Just two years later, he joined The Australian Ballet, where he performed leading roles in the great classics and modern masterworks, sharing the stage with some of the most legendary artists of the 20th century — Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, Sir Frederick Ashton, and Sir Robert Helpmann. His repertoire spanned Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Giselle, Spartacus, and Don Quixote, alongside contemporary landmarks like Beyond Twelve and The Concert. Promoted to Soloist in 1979 and Senior Soloist in 1981, Mark toured internationally with the company twelve times, becoming a recognised Australian presence on the world stage.

After two decades of performance, Mark transitioned into leadership as Ballet Master of The Australian Ballet’s Dancers Company, while continuing as a respected Guest Artist. His dedication to the artform was formally recognised in 1993 with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to ballet.

Mark has shaped generations of dancers through his teaching, holding positions with The National Theatre Ballet School, The Australian Ballet School, and WAAPA. Internationally, he served as an Adviser on the Royal Academy of Dance Board of Trustees in London, and as a guest teacher at The Royal Ballet School. Today, he remains in demand as a teacher, adjudicator, and examiner, working with major institutions and companies including West Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, Adelaide College of the Arts, QUT, the Victorian College of the Arts, and leading private schools across the country.

At the Australasian Adult Ballet Competition & Festival 2026, Mark’s presence represents more than prestige. His genuine passion for adult ballet dancers affirm the importance of lifelong learning and artistry at every stage of training. For participants, the opportunity to learn, perform, and be supported under his eye will be both inspiring and unforgettable.

Image: Mark Brinkley with Julia de Costa in The Australian Ballet’s “Anna Karenina”

Garry Stocks – Masterclass & Adjudicator

Former Coryphée, The Australian Ballet | Founder, Studio Stocks

Garry Stocks is a Melbourne-based artist whose career spans the worlds of classical ballet, contemporary performance, and rhythm-based artistry. A graduate of The Australian Ballet School, Garry joined The Australian Ballet in 2005, where he quickly established himself as a dynamic performer. Promoted to Coryphée in 2011, he toured internationally with the company, appearing on some of the world’s great stages in New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Shanghai. His repertoire included works by legendary choreographers including Graeme Murphy AO, Jiří Kylián, Alexei Ratmansky, and Rudolf Nureyev.

Today, Garry brings the same depth of artistry to his role as Founder and Artistic Director of Studio Stocks, where he creates emotionally resonant works that explore rhythm, musicality, and movement at their most expressive. His 2025 debut production, Melancholia, premiered to a sold-out audience at Chapel Off Chapel and confirmed his reputation as a bold choreographic voice in Australia.

Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Garry is a highly regarded teacher across Melbourne’s leading performing arts institutions, known for blending precision with generosity in the studio. At AABC, dancers can expect his classes and feedback to illuminate the artistry behind technique, inspiring them to dance with clarity, rhythm, and emotional connection.

Susan Sargison – Masterclass & Adjudicator

Former Australian Ballet Dancer | RAD Examiner | Acclaimed Ballet Educator

Susan Sargison began her career at an early age, performing Clara in The Nutcracker with the Tasmanian Ballet Company before graduating from the Australian Ballet School and joining the Australian Ballet Company. Her professional stage appearances include Coppélia, Carmen, Giselle, The Three Musketeers, Poems, and City Dances. She went on to perform lead roles with the Heidelberg Ballet Ensemble, Rex Reid Ballet Company, and the Victorian State Opera.

Internationally, Susan’s career expanded into musical theatre and commercial dance, with contracts in London’s West End, Singapore, Japan, Vienna, and Portugal, as well as performances with Charles Augins and Jillian Fitzgerald. Australian credits include the original cast of Seven Little Australians, television appearances on Countdown, and work across Melbourne’s commercial theatre circuit.

For over 25 years Susan was Artistic Director of her own Melbourne dance school, later serving as Associate Director of the National Theatre Ballet School (2018–2023), teaching at both vocational and tertiary levels. Since 1991 she has been an adjudicator at competitions and eisteddfods across Australia and overseas, known for her insightful written and voice critiques across all dance styles.

As an RAD Examiner, Susan travels extensively across Europe, Asia, and Australasia, bringing a global perspective to her teaching. She specialises in Classical Ballet, Russian Floor Barre, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), Pointe work, Discovering Repertoire, Variations, and Pilates offering dancers a holistic and versatile training approach.

At AABC, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, guiding dancers with precision, artistry, and the depth of an international examiner and performer.

Tonia Walker – Teacher & Adjudicator

Coordinator, AICD Adult Ballet Assessment Program | Licentiate Cecchetti Ballet | Ballet & Theatrical Coach

Tonia Walker brings a lifetime of dedication to classical ballet and education, combining her artistry, theatricality, and teaching expertise to inspire adult dancers at every level. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and a Cecchetti Licentiate, she blends elite ballet training with a strong foundation in education, ensuring her classes are both technically refined and deeply supportive.

As a university-qualified educator within the Australian education system, Tonia brings advanced pedagogical knowledge to her teaching. These skills enhance her delivery in the studio and enrich the journey of adult dancers—making her guidance both structured and accessible, while always centred on the learner’s experience.

After returning to ballet as an adult herself, Tonia has a rare empathy for the adult learner’s pathway. Her teaching is grounded in structure, encouragement, and artistry—helping dancers progress with confidence while celebrating their individuality.

Alongside her ballet expertise, Tonia has served as a Level 0 Artistic Coach for state-level figure skaters, specialising in choreography, flexibility, and ballet-based conditioning. This cross-disciplinary work has strengthened her approach to movement, musicality, and performance.

At the Adult Ballet Centre®, Tonia teaches across all levels, including pointe work and private coaching. She also plays a pivotal role as Coordinator of the Australian Institute of Classical Dance (AICD) Adult Ballet Assessment Program, guiding dancers through a nationally recognised progression system that provides professional feedback, formal assessment pathways, and the chance to celebrate milestones in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

Respected for her calm, attentive teaching style and her commitment to student growth, Tonia brings both artistry and rigor to the studio. At AABC, dancers can expect her classes to combine technical clarity with theatrical expression empowering every participant to grow in strength, artistry, and confidence.

Dr Jason Lam – Dance Medicine Specialist & Former Professional Dancer

Former Artist, The Australian Ballet & Sydney Dance Company | Sports & Dance Medicine Specialist

Dr Jason Lam brings a rare combination of experience as both a professional dancer and a medical doctor specialising in sports and dance medicine. A former performer with The Australian Ballet and Sydney Dance Company, Jason’s first career on stage was cut short by injury, a turning point that inspired him to dedicate his life to supporting the health and longevity of dancers.

After retraining in medicine, Jason completed his studies at Flinders University before pursuing advanced qualifications including a Master’s in Sports Medicine. He was appointed the inaugural Crichton Dance Medicine Fellow with The Australian Ballet and Orchestra Victoria, where he developed specialist expertise in the care of elite dancers and performing artists. His clinical work now spans sports teams, combat athletes, and performers at the highest level, including at the Commonwealth Games.

Jason is an active researcher and educator, presenting nationally and internationally on dance medicine. He is a member of Sports Medicine Australia, the Australian Society for Performing Arts Health, and the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science.

At AABC, Jason brings both his stage and clinical experience to support participants in understanding how to train, perform, and recover with intelligence and care. His unique dual perspective empowers adult dancers to approach ballet not only as an art form, but as a lifelong, sustainable practice.

Mollie Harrison – Masterclasses

Manager & Head of Program Development – Adult Ballet Centre | Director, Ballet IQ I High-Performance Sports Scientist

Mollie Harrison is a dynamic leader in adult ballet education and the driving force behind some of the most innovative training pathways in Australia. As Manager and Head of Program Development at the Adult Ballet Centre®, she curates programs that blend classical ballet technique, artistry, and strength with a modern, science-based approach to training.

A graduate of both the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) and the National Theatre Ballet School, Mollie has trained under some of Australia’s most distinguished artists, including Kirsty Martin, Tim Harbour, Tim Storey, Danielle Hunt, Michael Pappalardo, and Beverly-Jane Fry. Her performance career spans both classical and contemporary stages, with highlights including:

Performance HighlightsRaymonda’s Dream Scene – Soloist & Overall Winner, 2014 Ballet Teachers’ Workshop (Francis Naylor & Maybel Pryde Awards) Carmen – Principal Role, choreographed by Tim Harbour. Volente – Tim Harbour, Philip Glass's Four Movements for Two Pianos. SYNC – Nils Christe (Royal Swedish Ballet), Australian Premiere, WAAPA. It Sounds Silly – Adam Wheeler (Chunky Move).Pan and Replay and Rewind – Yuiko Masukawa, Melbourne City Ballet Season. F5 – Jennifer Fleenor-O’Brien, UNLID.DANCE Singapore Tour Season. Australian Tour with Isabella McGuire Mayes – Support Faculty & Teacher

Alongside her artistic achievements, Mollie is a qualified High-Performance Sports Scientist and Master Personal Trainer, bringing knowledge of biomechanics, pointe science, and injury prevention into the studio. She is also an Actable® Pointe Athlete Tester, making her uniquely positioned to guide adult dancers through pointe training with intelligence, safety, and strength.

At AABC, Mollie brings her rare ability to bridge science, artistry, and pedagogy. Dancers can expect her sessions to be both inspiring and empowering, equipping them with technical precision, artistry, and the confidence to dance at their full potential.

Alex Cramer – Teacher & Warm up Coaching

Graduate, The Australian Ballet School | Specialist in Floor Barre & Male Coaching

Alex Cramer is a versatile performer and teacher whose career bridges classical ballet, international stage performance, and music.

A graduate of The Australian Ballet School (2019, Graduate Diploma of Classical Ballet), Alex trained under Lisa Pavane and completed the School’s full vocational pathway, earning her Diploma, Advanced Diploma, and Graduate Diploma. During this time she performed with The Australian Ballet in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Christopher Wheeldon, Brisbane and Melbourne seasons) and Coppélia (Regional Tour, directed by Dame Peggy van Praagh).

Her professional career extended internationally with Universal Studios in Japan and China, where she performed in high-calibre professional ensembles, developing versatility, stage presence, and expressive depth.

Now based in Melbourne, Alex teaches across all levels, specialising in Floor Barre, pointe development, and male coaching. Her classes are known for their musicality, clean technique, and supportive clarity, helping adult dancers strengthen their foundations while developing artistry and confidence.

Alongside dance, Alex is a vocalist and songwriter, fronting the Melbourne-based music project REX. Her creative practice across disciplines brings an additional dimension to her ballet teaching, inspiring dancers to connect emotionally as well as physically to their performance.

At AABC, Alex combines her international experience and teaching expertise to help dancers unlock their potential with artistry, precision, and joy.