Wednesday 11 March 2026  

Quantum Leap Australia is thrilled to announce Daniel Riley as its new Ambassador.   

Riley, A Wiradjuri man with ancestral ties throughout Western NSW, is the current Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) – Australia’s oldest ongoing contemporary dance company based on Kaurna Yerta, Adelaide. He is the sixth Artistic Director in the company’s 60-year history, and the first Blak artist to hold the position.  

Riley’s appointment is an exciting milestone for Quantum Leap. After almost 30 years of operation, the impact of Quantum Leap’s innovative programs for young dancers is evidenced by star-studded alumni such as Riley – stretching across Australia and the world. 

Welcoming him back to the organisation in this new role is a special, full-circle moment. Riley was a member of the first generation of young artists to participate in the cutting-edge programs at Gorman Arts Centre in the late 1990s.   

He acknowledges the significant influence of his time with the company and recognises these formative experiences as the bedrock of his artistic identity. Riley says, “As a young person, it was the first space where I encountered dance as a powerful form of cultural expression, collaboration, and storytelling. Quantum Leap provided a foundation that shaped not only my skills but also my values: curiosity in process, generosity in performance, and the belief that young artists deserve to be taken seriously.” 

Riley attributes his success to the supportive, professional start he received at Quantum Leap: “The trajectory from Quantum Leap ensemble member to leading one of Australia’s most significant cultural institutions is not accidental. It stands as a testament to the depth of mentorship, artistic rigour, and creative empowerment that Quantum Leap fosters in its young dancers.” 

Riley’s appointment also marks a fresh chapter for the longstanding Canberra based arts company. Formerly QL2 Dance, Quantum Leap Australia is in its second year under the directorship of Alice Lee Holland. 

“We have considered the rich history and strong foundations of our organisation to recalibrate our vision and values. We are extending the reach of our programs to new areas of the Canberra region and expanding our performance seasons to new venues. So much of our success is due to the incredible work of our predecessors – the staff, Board and young artists who came before. It’s very special to partner with Daniel as we launch this new era for Quantum Leap and nurture the next generation of young artists, together.” 

Riley supports this sentiment. “Throughout my work with ADT and across the national sector, I have seen how strongly Quantum Leap contributes to Australia’s dance ecology. Its commitment to genuine youth voice, artistic risk, and community engagement aligns with the most progressive and respected practices in contemporary dance. Quantum Leap does not simply train dancers. It nurtures artists, thinkers, and future leaders. It is a privilege to step into this role, a true full-circle moment for me, and I am incredibly proud to contribute to Quantum Leap’s next chapter.” 

Image credits (L-R): Emmaline Zanelli, Morgan Sette, Lorna Sim and Quantum Leap archive.