Dance Australia congratulates the following dancers and teachers who received Australia Day honours:
Member (AM):
Leanne Benjamin (Aus/UK) - For significant service to the performing arts, particularly ballet, as a dancer and role model. Benjamin, who was born in Rockhampton, Qld, was a principal artist with the Royal Ballet for 20 years and retired in July 2013. During her extensive career Benjamin danced with Sadler’s Wells, English National Ballet and Deutsche Oper Berlin, as well as appearing as a guest with the likes of the Australian Ballet and Dresden Ballet. Benjamin is especially renowned for her interpretations of Kenneth Macmillan’s roles and names MacMillan as a mentor.
Medal (OAM):
Daele Fraser (WA): For service to the performing arts, particularly dance.
Carole Oliver (Vic): For service to the performing arts through dance education.
Dance Australia also congratulates Noel Tovey on receiving the honour of Member (AM) for significant service to the performing arts, to Indigenous performers, and as an advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community. Noel’s career began as a ballet dancer with Sadlers Wells.
Congratulations also to philanthropists Joan and Peter Clemenger who have both received the honour of Officer (AO) for distinguished service to the visual and performing arts as a benefactor, patron and supporter, and through philanthropic contributions to a range of charitable organisations, and to the community. The Clemengers are well known for their generous support of the Australian Ballet, as well as other performing arts organisations in Melbourne.