The Australian Dance Awards are an annual celebration and recognition of the many people who dedicate their lives to dance – not just on stage as performers, but also in the many ways behind the scenes that promote and further the artform. This year's event was no exception, with a wide range of practitioners and genres nominated.
The host city this year was Adelaide, where Australia's longest-running contemporary company, Australian Dance Theatre, is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary. The venue was Her Majesty's Theatre, which for a long time was the home of ADT.
The award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer went to ballerina Lucinda Dunn for her performance in the Australian Ballet's Manon. It was her farewell performance after an illustrious 23 year career with the Australian Ballet. She is now artistic director of the Tanya Pearson Classical Coaching Academy. Coincidentally, Tanya Pearson, the founder of that school and an early teacher of Dunn's, was awarded the award for Services to Dance Education.
The Award for Outstanding Performance by a male dancer went to Waangenga Blanco of Bangarra Dance Theatre for Patyegarang.
The award for Outstanding Performance by a Company went to the Queensland Ballet for its production of Kenneth MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet. This was the first time MacMillan's version had been seen in Australia and was a coup for the company – and audiences.
For a year which is also ADT's anniversary, many coincidental links were drawn with that company, with a number of award recipients having been connected in some way.
The Peggy van Praagh Fellowship went to Lina Limosani. She is an ADT alumnus now working working as an independent choreographer.
The award of Most Outstanding Achievement in Choreography went to Narelle Benjamin, for her Hiding in Plain Sight, another alumnus.
More ADT alumni were represented in the award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Dance, which went to Torque Show in collaboration with Michelle Ryan and Lavender vs Rose for Intimacy.
Photographer Jeff Busby received the award for Services to Dance. He drew another link with Australian Dance Theatre, reminding the audiences that his first dance commission was with ADT.
Outstanding Achievement in Community Dance went to Tracks Dance Company for Milpirri - Jarda Wanpa, a collaboration choreographed by artistic directors David McMicken and Tim Newth with Indigenous dancers in Darwin. Outstanding Achievement in Youth Dance went toSteps Youth Company for Fights and Flights.
The award for Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Dance, Musicals or Physical Theatre went to the SA acrobatic company Gravity & Other Myths for A Simple Space.
Claire Marshall won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film or New Media for her film Ward of State.
Marilyn Rowe, who had previously been announced as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, was unfortunately unable to attend due to illness. Her award was accepted by her great friend and colleague, Leigh Rowles, who herself had been nominated for Services to Dance Education.
Former ballerina Marilyn Jones, who is the founding director of the Australian Institute of Classical Dance, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Fittingly, she was joined in this honour by Elizabeth Dalman, the founder of ADT. “I feel blessed that I've always known my pathway in life,” Dalman said in her acceptance speech.
A sentiment no doubt shared by all in attendance.
The next Australian Dance Awards will be held in Perth on September 18. Nominations are already open! Go to www.australiandanceawards.net.au.
Photos below in order: A scene from 'Intimacy', by Torque Show.
Daniel Gaudiello and Vito Benascon in the Qld Ballet's' Romeo and Julie't. Photo: David Kelly.
Waangengo Blanco in 'Patyegarang'. Photo by Greg Barrett.
