Stanton Welch has been named a member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list, for significant service to the performing arts as a ballet dancer, mentor, choreographer and artistic director.
Welch is currently artistic director of Houston Ballet, Texas. He danced with the Australia Ballet for many years, attaining the rank of leading soloist. In 1995, Welch was appointed resident choreographer for the Australian Ballet. He has been artistic director of Houston Ballet since 2003. Welch has also choreographed works for San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Birmingham Royal Ballet and The Royal Danish Ballet. Dance Australia congratulates Stanton Welch on receiving this honour.
Dance Australia also congratulates the following members of the dance community who have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours list with a medal (OAM) in the general division:
Mrs Janice Ethel Conroy (Qld) for service to the performing arts through dance.
Mrs Diana Cecile de Vos-Beck (WA) for service to the performing arts through dance.
Mrs Margaret Jean East (Tas) for service to the performing arts through dance administration roles.