For many millennials growing up in the English-speaking world, Dance Academy was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone. Airing for three seasons, this Australian series, set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, drew viewers into the intense world of the National Dance Academy, a fictional elite ballet school. We followed Tara Webster, the aspiring dancer from the country, as she navigated the trials and triumphs of rigorous training, friendships, and personal growth within the academy’s walls.
With its stellar ensemble cast, a feature film continuation, and accolades like a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Children’s Program, Dance Academy cemented its place in television history. Even a decade after its final episode in 2013, the series retains a devoted fanbase who are eager to know – where are the actors of Dance Academy now?
In a recent interview, Xenia Goodwin, who played the lead role of Tara Webster, revealed that the bond between the cast remains strong to this day. Let’s take a look at what the stars of Dance Academy have been up to since leaving the National Dance Academy behind and stepping into new roles and real-world stages.
Xenia Goodwin: Tara Webster
Xenia Goodwin became synonymous with Tara Webster, the heart and soul of Dance Academy. Despite her central role in the series and its subsequent movie adaptation, Goodwin has intentionally moved away from the acting spotlight. Following Dance Academy: The Movie in 2017, and a couple of smaller roles, she stepped back from the entertainment industry.
In a personal revelation, Goodwin shared a harrowing experience: a near-fatal car accident in Greece in 2019. She described the accident as almost leaving her quadriplegic, expressing immense gratitude for her recovery. Her resilience is evident as she navigates life post-accident.
While she has expressed missing aspects of her former acting and ballet life, Xenia has embraced new paths. As of 2023, she is reportedly working in property development, focusing on master-planned communities. This marks a significant career shift for the actress, indicating a move towards a different kind of creative contribution, shaping physical spaces instead of on-screen narratives. However, she has hinted at a possible return to entertainment, suggesting fans might see her on screen again in the future.
Jordan Rodriguez: Christian Reed
Jordan Rodriguez portrayed the complex and brooding Christian Reed, a character whose journey from troubled newcomer to fan favorite resonated deeply with audiences. Christian’s on-screen romance with Tara was a central storyline for many viewers. Since Dance Academy, Rodriguez has successfully transitioned to Hollywood, making a name for himself in prominent roles.
His American television debut came with a recurring role in The Fosters, a popular series running from 2014 to 2018. Rodriguez’s film career also took off, notably landing a role in the critically acclaimed movie Lady Bird alongside Saoirse Ronan in 2017. More recently, he starred in the Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History (2022-2023), further establishing his presence in mainstream entertainment. Jordan’s career trajectory showcases a successful move from Australian television to international projects, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
Alicia Banit: Kat Karamakov
Alicia Banit played the charismatic and popular Kat Karamakov, already known to Australian audiences from Summer Heights High. Kat’s ‘it girl’ status on Dance Academy mirrored Banit’s own rising star. Following her role as Kat, Alicia remained active in the Australian entertainment scene, appearing in a variety of television series.
Her post-Dance Academy credits include roles in Upper Middle Bogan, Playing for Keeps, and Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries. In 2023, she appeared in the ABC series Crazy Fun Park, showcasing her range across different genres. Beyond acting, Alicia’s personal life has also flourished. She is married to Zac Burns and welcomed their daughter Isla in October 2022. Banit successfully balances her acting career with motherhood, remaining a familiar face on Australian screens.
Tim Pocock: Ethan Karamakov
Tim Pocock captured hearts as Ethan Karamakov, Kat’s older brother and a talented ballet dancer. Ethan’s character was the quintessential ‘brooding artist’ type, adding to his appeal. After Dance Academy, Pocock has diversified his creative pursuits, exploring both acting and music.
While continuing to act in independent films, Tim has also ventured into music production, creating original tracks which he shares on social media. His social media presence also includes nostalgic throwbacks to his Dance Academy days, indicating an appreciation for his beginnings. Pocock’s career demonstrates a blend of acting and musical talent, showcasing his artistic versatility beyond his ballet dancer role.
Dena Kaplan: Abigail Armstrong
Dena Kaplan brought the fiercely competitive Abigail Armstrong to life in Dance Academy. Abigail’s ambition and sometimes sharp edges made her a compelling character. While Kaplan reprised her role in Dance Academy: The Movie, her primary focus shifted away from acting towards music and dance in a different form.
Kaplan has become a successful DJ, performing internationally. She also founded “Twerk after Werk,” a dance workout program with locations in several Australian cities. This venture merges her passion for dance with fitness and empowerment. In her personal life, Dena and her partner Alex welcomed their first child in mid-2023. Kaplan’s post-Dance Academy journey is marked by a significant career pivot, from acting to becoming a DJ and dance fitness entrepreneur, showcasing her dynamic and multifaceted talents.
Thom Green: Sammy Lieberman
Thom Green played Sammy Lieberman, a character whose tragic storyline deeply impacted Dance Academy viewers. Sammy’s sudden death in season two remains one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant moments in the series. Following his departure from Dance Academy, Green continued to work in Australian television and film.
He appeared in series like Mr Inbetween and the coming-of-age film Of an Age, demonstrating his range as an actor in diverse roles. While Sammy’s character is no longer with us, Thom Green’s career continues to evolve, marking him as a consistent presence in the Australian acting landscape.
Isabel Durant: Grace Whitney
Isabel Durant joined Dance Academy as Grace Whitney, adding a new dynamic to the existing cast. Post-Dance Academy, Isabel quickly transitioned to another popular children’s series, Mako Mermaids. Her career then took her to the United States, where she secured a long-running role in the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives.
Since 2020, Durant has been playing Claire Brady in Days of Our Lives, marking a significant step in her international career. Her move to American television demonstrates the global reach of Dance Academy alumni, and her ability to adapt to different acting environments.
Thomas Lacey: Ben Tickle
Thomas Lacey portrayed Ben Tickle, a character known for his humor and dance talent. While Lacey reprised his role for Dance Academy: The Movie, his primary career focus shifted towards stage performance and dance education.
In 2013, Lacey landed the lead role in Strictly Ballroom the Musical, showcasing his dance skills on stage. He further toured in productions like Grease the Arena Experience. Currently, Thomas co-owns the May Downs School of Dance with his wife, Chloe Hayden. This transition from on-screen actor to dance studio owner highlights a dedication to dance in a different capacity, shaping the next generation of dancers.
Keiynan Lonsdale: Ollie Lloyd
Keiynan Lonsdale, despite appearing in fewer episodes as Ollie Lloyd, made a lasting impression. Ollie’s rebellious nature and personal struggles resonated with viewers. Lonsdale has arguably achieved the highest profile acting career post-Dance Academy, with significant roles in both film and television.
He featured in The Divergent Series films, Insurgent and Allegiant, and gained critical acclaim for his lead role in Love, Simon. However, his most prominent role has been as Wally West/Kid Flash in The Flash TV series, part of the Arrowverse franchise. Beyond acting, Keiynan is also a musician, releasing his debut album Rainbow Boy in 2020. In 2022, he publicly identified as gay, further adding to his public persona as an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation. Lonsdale’s career exemplifies a major success story, transitioning from Dance Academy to Hollywood stardom in both acting and music.
The cast of Dance Academy has grown up before our eyes, and their journeys since the show ended are as diverse and compelling as their characters were. From Hollywood roles to dance studios, music careers to family life, the Dance Academy actors have continued to evolve and inspire, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the walls of the National Dance Academy.
