The Australian Ballet and Telstra have announced Coryphée Adam Elmes as the winner of the 2025 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, presented on stage at the Sydney Opera House following the opening night of David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty. The honour acknowledges Adam’s exceptional artistic presence, his generosity as a colleague, and his growing influence within the Company’s creative culture.
Now in its 22nd year, the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award celebrates emerging dancers who embody The Australian Ballet’s values of ambition, boldness, inclusivity, respect and responsibility. The award is made possible through Telstra’s 41-year partnership with the Company and remains one of the most significant recognitions for rising artists on the national stage. Nominees were selected by the artistic team, with final interviews conducted by Artistic Director David Hallberg and Telstra’s Lyndall Stoyles.
Hallberg said that the award reflects not only technical excellence but also the qualities that allow an artist to inspire those around them. “The Telstra Ballet Dancer Award recognises exceptional artistry, commitment and character, the qualities that allow a dancer to grow and inspire their peers. It is a pleasure to celebrate Adam’s achievement and the incredible contribution he has made to the artform as well as our audiences.”
Stoyles echoed this sentiment, noting Telstra’s long-standing commitment to supporting emerging artists. “For 22 years, the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award has highlighted the remarkable talent shaping Australia’s ballet stage. Supporting emerging artists remains a priority for Telstra, and it is a privilege to continue our partnership with The Australian Ballet in recognising the next generation of leaders in dance.”
Adam receives a $15,000 cash prize, marking a significant moment in a career already defined by steady, thoughtful growth. Many past recipients have gone on to become Soloists and Principals, underscoring the importance of the award in shaping the trajectories of future leaders within the Company.
Born in Brisbane and raised in Sydney, Adam began dancing at eight. He trained at the Valerie Smith Stage School, the Tanya Pearson Academy and The Australian Ballet School before joining The Australian Ballet in 2020. He was promoted to Coryphée in 2023. An artist admired for his musicality, attentiveness and integrity, Adam’s progression reflects both his technical refinement and the generosity he brings to the studio and stage.
Through the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, The Australian Ballet and Telstra continue to nurture a culture in which emerging artists are supported, challenged and celebrated, ensuring that the next generation of dancers can thrive within Australia’s flagship ballet company.