For Aussie millennials, Dance Academy was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone. Running for three seasons on ABC, this series, set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour at Walsh Bay piers, captured hearts with the story of Tara Webster, an aspiring ballet dancer, and her journey through the trials and triumphs at the prestigious (yet fictional) National Dance Academy.
Boasting a stellar Dance Academy cast, a movie adaptation, and a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Children’s Program, the show’s enduring popularity over a decade after its 2013 finale is undeniable.
(IMAGE: ABC)
In a candid interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, actress Xenia Goodwin revealed the Dance Academy actors remain a close-knit family to this day. Let’s catch up with the Dance Academy cast and see what they’ve been up to since leaving the halls of the National Dance Academy.
Xenia Goodwin as Tara Webster
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Despite leading Dance Academy as protagonist Tara Webster, Xenia Goodwin has, seemingly, taken a step back from the acting world. After the series concluded, she appeared in the short film The Bard (2017), had a guest role in the TV miniseries Winter (2015), and reprised her iconic role in Dance Academy: The Movie (2017).
In a harrowing turn of events in July 2019, Goodwin was involved in a severe car accident in Greece, narrowly escaping quadriplegia. Her resilience and recovery journey have been inspiring.
A post shared by Xenia Goodwin (@xeniawarrior)
“As far as injuries go, this has been pretty bad. I am supposed to be a quadriplegic, and I thank my lucky angels every day that I am now,” Goodwin shared on Instagram in December 2021, reflecting on the accident’s severity.
“I miss ballet, I miss acting, I miss who I used to be. But I am proud of who I am now,” she added, showcasing her strength and positive outlook.
As of 2023, while Goodwin may be considering a return to entertainment, she is currently working in property development, focusing on “masterplan communities,” as mentioned in her Yahoo Lifestyle interview.
Jordan Rodriguez as Christian Reed
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Christian Reed, the complex character portrayed by Jordan Rodriguez, evolved into a fan favorite throughout Dance Academy, particularly due to his captivating romance with Tara. Since the show, Rodriguez has successfully transitioned to Hollywood.
His notable roles include Mat Tan in The Fosters (2014-2018), an appearance alongside Saoirse Ronan in the acclaimed film Lady Bird (2017), and most recently, Ethan Chao in the Disney+ original series National Treasure: Edge of History (2022-2023). Jordan Rodriguez’s career trajectory highlights the Dance Academy cast’s broad appeal and talent.
Alicia Banit as Kat Karamakov
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Alicia Banit, who played the charismatic ‘it girl’ Kat Karamakov in Dance Academy, was already recognized for her role in Chris Lilley’s comedy Summer Heights High (2007). Following Dance Academy, Banit continued to shine in Australian productions.
Her credits include Upper Middle Bogan (2016), Playing for Keeps (2018), Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (2019), and the ABC series Crazy Fun Park (2023). Beyond acting, Alicia is now embracing motherhood, married to Zac Burns and welcoming their daughter Isla in October 2022.
Tim Pocock as Ethan Karamakov
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Tim Pocock, the original teen heartthrob of the 2010s, embodied the allure of Ethan Karamakov, the brooding yet talented older brother figure in Dance Academy. Since his Dance Academy days, Pocock has explored independent films and his musical talents.
He produces original music, sharing it on social media alongside nostalgic glimpses from the Dance Academy set, keeping fans connected to his journey since the show.
Dena Kaplan as Abigail Armstrong
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Dena Kaplan perfectly portrayed the fiery Abigail Armstrong throughout Dance Academy. While making a few appearances in Australian dramas and Dance Academy: The Movie (2017), Kaplan has largely transitioned away from acting.
Kaplan has found significant success as a DJ, performing internationally and founding Twerk after Werk, a dance workout program with locations in Byron Bay, Gold Coast, and Melbourne. Kaplan and her partner Alex welcomed their first child in mid-2023, adding a new chapter to her life post-Dance Academy.
Thom Green as Sammy Lieberman
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Sammy Lieberman’s tragic departure in Dance Academy remains one of television’s most impactful deaths. Thom Green’s portrayal of Sammy resonated deeply with audiences, making his character’s fate particularly heart-wrenching.
Following Dance Academy, Green continued acting in Australian dramas, including Mr Inbetween (2021) and the coming-of-age film Of an Age, showcasing his range beyond the beloved Sammy.
Isabel Durant as Grace Whitney
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Isabel Durant, who joined Dance Academy later as Grace Whitney, quickly became a familiar face in Australian children’s television. After Dance Academy, Durant starred in Mako Mermaids (2015 – 2016) before moving to the USA and securing a long-term role as Claire Brady in the soap opera Days of Our Lives (2020 – present), marking a significant step in her international acting career.
Thomas Lacey as Ben Tickle
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Thomas Lacey, known as Ben Tickle in Dance Academy, has shifted his focus to the stage and dance education. Apart from Dance Academy: The Movie (2017), Lacey took the lead role in Strictly Ballroom the Musical in 2013 and toured in productions like Grease the Arena Experience in 2018.
Currently, Lacey co-owns May Downs School of Dance with his wife, Chloe Hayden, channeling his passion for dance into teaching and studio management.
Keiynan Lonsdale as Ollie Lloyd
(IMAGE: ABC/Instagram)
Despite a shorter run as Ollie Lloyd in Dance Academy, Keiynan Lonsdale has arguably achieved the most prominent acting success among the Dance Academy cast members.
Lonsdale played Uriah in Insurgent (2015) and Allegiant (2016), starred in the critically acclaimed Love, Simon (2018), and is widely recognized as Wally West/Kid Flash in The Flash (2015-2023). Beyond acting, Keiynan is also a musician, releasing his studio album Rainbow Boy in 2020. In 2022, he publicly identified as gay in an interview with BuzzFeed, further connecting with his audience on a personal level.
The Dance Academy cast has clearly moved on to diverse and exciting paths since their time at the National Dance Academy, leaving a lasting legacy for fans worldwide.
