20/05/2026
It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of NEIL ROSENFELD — a man widely regarded as one of, if not the most, influential figures in the history of the Australian Dancing Society on Friday 15th May, aged 88 years!
Neil’s involvement with the ADS spanned an extraordinary 46 years, during which he served in countless capacities: competitor, adjudicator, compere, organiser, teacher, examiner, mentor, and visionary. Even after stepping away from competition and official duties, Neil remained a pivotal part of our Society through teacher training and examinations, continuing to shape generations of dancers and professionals alike.
Neil began dancing at 16 years of age — a decision that would not only define his own life, but leave a lasting impact on the Australian dance industry forever.
Together, Neil and Jenny Rosenfeld enjoyed a remarkable competitive career in both Ballroom and Latin American dancing. Their achievements on the international stage were exceptional, highlighted by reaching both the World and International Amateur Latin American Finals in 1967, where they placed 5th in each event, along with placing 9th in the British Latin American Championships semi-final.
After turning professional in 1968, Neil and Jenny continued their remarkable success on the international stage, placing 4th in the European Professional Ballroom Championship, reaching the British Professional Latin American semi-final, and winning both the ADS Australian Professional Ballroom and Latin American Championships in the same year.
Their achievements continued with further Australian Professional Latin titles in 1969 and 1970. Just seven months after welcoming their first child, Adam, Neil and Jenny returned to the competition floor to claim their fourth, and final Australian Professional Latin Championship title in 1971 before retiring. Their family was completed with the arrival of their second child, Kellie, in 1974.
Neil and Jenny opened the Granada Dance Centre in Malvern, Victoria, in June 1970. What followed was decades of extraordinary influence and achievement, with Granada becoming one of Australia’s most respected dance studios. Teaching was undoubtedly Neil’s true calling. Students relocated from across Australia to train under him, drawn not only by his immense knowledge and international experience, but by his unwavering passion, generosity, and ability to make every student feel valued.
Neil’s legacy as a teacher is immeasurable. He mentored and trained many of today’s adjudicators, coaches, and studio proprietors, shaping the very fabric of the dance community we know today. His impact extended far beyond technique; he inspired confidence, excellence, discipline, and a lifelong love of dancing. Neil retired from adjudicating in 2005 with characteristic humility and continued teaching until 2007. Yet even in retirement, he remained deeply invested in the lives and achievements of his students, taking immense pride in their successes and maintaining lifelong relationships with so many of them.
The Australian Dancing Society was not simply an organisation to Neil — it was one of the great passions of his life. Neil was immersed in the ADS from an early age and became instrumental in ensuring not only its survival, but its growth and continued success. Neil was not only an integral member of the ADS Executive for many years but he, alongside Bob Courts, played a key role in transforming the ADS Australian Championship from Broadmeadows Town Hall to the Glasshouse in 1983 within the Melbourne Park precinct — the home the event continues to enjoy today. Their vision was to create a championship that provided competitors with a world-class environment while elevating and showcasing our sport to the broader Australian public. Neil’s passion for the ADS Australian Championship extended far beyond words, with him making personal commitments behind the scenes to help bring the vision to life.
Neil was awarded Life Membership of the Australian Dancing Society in 2016 — an honour richly deserved, though one that could never truly reflect the immense contribution, dedication, passion, and care he gave to the Society and the dancing community throughout his life.
Neil leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that will continue to live on through the countless dancers, teachers, adjudicators, and friends whose lives he touched. His contribution to Australian dancing and in particular, the Australian Dancing Society is immeasurable, and he will be remembered not only for his achievements, but for his passion, vision, generosity, and unwavering belief in the future of our industry, and of course his cheeky story telling!
A memorial to celebrate Neil’s life is currently being planned, and further details will be provided in due course by Adam & Kellie, and they invite you to join the celebration of the one and only Neil Rosenfeld.
