Australian dancer Steven McRae may be living in the UK as he forges his career as a Royal Ballet principal, but that didn't stop him being in line for Australia Day honours. McRae was named Young Australian Achiever in the UK by the Australia Day Foundation. This annual award recognises the achievements of young Australians living in the United Kingdom in any field.
Back home, the dance sector was well represented in the annual Australia Day honours list. Congratulations to the following members of the Australian dance community on being honoured for their achievements:
Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia:
Professor Susan Street: For distinguished service to the performing arts, particularly to dance education at a tertiary level, as a teacher and administrator, to professional organisations, and as a mentor.
Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia:
Nancye Hayes (OAM): For significant service to the performing arts, particularly musical theatre, as an actor, choreographer and director.
Timothy Newth (Tracks): For significant service to the performing arts, particularly through the development of Indigenous dance.
David McMicken (Tracks): For significant service to the performing arts, particularly through the development of Indigenous dance.
Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division
Lucinda Dunn (The Australian Ballet): For service to the performing arts through ballet.
Leonie Burgess: For service to highland dancing.
In addition, Queensland Ballet’s Li Cunxin was nominated for Australian of the Year, after being named Queensland’s Australian of the Year in November last year.
Dance Australia warmly congratulates all members of the dance sector who have been honoured this Australia Day.
More information, including a the full 2014 Australia Day Honours Lists may be found here.
More information about the Young Australian Achiever in the UK Award can be found here.
Photos top to bottom: Lucinda Dunn (Photo: James Braund), David McMicken, Susan Street.