14/04/2026
Australian Dance Vision mourns the passing of our Lifetime Honorary Member, Lorna Nichols 💜
Lorna’s remarkable journey in dance began in England at the age of five and continued in Australia, where she trained extensively across classical ballet, jazz, tap, and more. Her early career included performances with the South Australian Ballet Company, Queensland Ballet, and The Australian Ballet, following her training at the Australian Ballet School.
Lorna’s passion for dance extended far beyond performance. A deeply respected teacher, mentor, and educator, she dedicated decades to nurturing dancers across Australia with generosity, discipline, and care.
Her contribution to Australian Dance Vision was profound and enduring. As the principal creator and lifelong supporter of the ADV Tap Syllabus, Lorna helped shape the training of countless dancers and teachers nationwide. She continued to refine this work over many years, serving as a tutor at workshops and as a valued member of the Review Committee. Her authorship of the ADV Tap Learning Strategies History Manual further reflects her lasting commitment to excellence in dance education.
In recognition of her outstanding service, Lorna was awarded Honorary Life Membership of ADV — a testament to the enduring impact of her work.
Former Chairperson and Founder of ADV, Penelope Lancaster, shared:
“We were very sorry to hear of Lorna’s recent passing. She was both a friend and collaborative colleague who helped ADV attain its high standards and was very supportive of ADV’s endeavours in all dance training activities. Being appointed as an ADV Honorary Lifetime Member, she was an inspiration to ADV and its many dance teachers and their students, having been the principal creator and supporter of ADV’s tap syllabus. She brought her wide expertise in dance and dance training of all genres to young people, helping create the widely respected ADV tap syllabus. She will be remembered with my everlasting love.”
Lorna’s legacy lives on in the generations of dancers and teachers she inspired.
We extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives she touched.
Rest peacefully, Lorna.
