The winners of the 2015 Australian Dance Awards were announced and presented on 12 September at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide. Congratulations to all the winners!
Hall of Fame Inductees
Marilyn Jones OBE
Marilyn Jones OBE, Australia’s first new prima ballerina of The Australian Ballet is an iconic figure of dance. From her first season with the company to her last, she sustained an innately lyrical aesthetic. One of our greatest classical dancers, Marilyn has inspired and influenced generations of young dancers throughout her distinguished life in dance.
Dr Elizabeth Cameron Dalman OAM
Nationally and internationally renowned as a choreographer, teacher and performer, Elizabeth has been passionate and dedicated to dance and the arts for her entire life. She has contributed to defining Australia’s diverse cultural identity and has made a significant and lasting impact on the development of Australian contemporary dance.
Lifetime Achievement
Marilyn Rowe OBE
After an outstanding career as an internationally acclaimed principal artist with The Australian Ballet, Marilyn dedicated her life to The Australian Ballet School and its students, helping shape the future of young dancers through her leadership, vision and innovative education programs. Marilyn performed and created a phenomenal body of work in her performing years, equally outstanding in both classical and contemporary techniques. A multi-award winning performer, artist, director and teacher, Marilyn’s legacy to dance, dance education and to Australian arts and culture is far reaching and will be long-lasting.
Services to Dance
Jeff Busby
For his generosity and extraordinary talent in capturing the spirit of dance and dancers through his brilliant photographs, and his skill in collaborating and discovering new ways to present dance through visual media.
Services to Dance Education
Tanya Pearson OAM
For her dedication to excellent teaching for over 50 years, for expanding her students’ vision through exposure to the international classical ballet world, and for a truly lasting legacy.
Outstanding Achievement in Youth Dance
STEPS Youth Dance Company for Fights & Flights
For a well-constructed work that was polished, powerful, poignant and a real celebration of youth dance, and for a confident, impressive performance by a cohesive ensemble.
Outstanding Achievement in Community Dance
Tracks Dance Company for Milpirri (Jarda–Warnpa)
For a large-scale, captivating, cross-cultural dance performance fusing contemporary and traditional dance, championing reconciliation and uniting people in a wonderful celebration of dance and community.
Outstanding Achievement in Choreography
Narelle Benjamin for Hiding in Plain Sight
For beautifully sculpted and clever choreography presenting a fascinating exploration of identity, displacement, loss and mortality, and for a wonderful blend of film, photography, lighting and dance.
Outstanding Performance by a Company
Queensland Ballet for Romeo & Juliet
For a captivating production that demonstrated excellent solo and ensemble work, brilliant costumes, sets and designs, and a unified company performance that was of an international standard.
Outstanding Achievement in Independent Dance
Torque Show and Michelle Ryan with Lavender vs Rose forIntimacy
For an exquisite, compelling and immersive production exploring intimacy and human relationships within disability in a personal, honest and provocative dance theatre performance.
Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer
Lucinda Dunn OAM for Manon [The Australian Ballet]
For an outstanding and radiant performance that showed flawless technique, artistry and intelligence; a masterful portrayal of the metamorphosis from innocent to fallen woman.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer
Waangenga Blanco for Patyegarang [Bangarra Dance Theatre]
For his impressive physicality, exceptional dance technique, powerful characterisation and a magnetism and integrity that commands attention.
Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Dance, Musicals or Physical Theatre
Gravity & Other Myths for A Simple Space
For a thrilling hour of daring feats of balance, strength and skill, impressive teamwork and creativity, astounding acrobatics, and some dangerous and original choreography.
Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film or New Media
Claire Marshall for Ward of State
For a bold and engaging collaboration of dance and music with wonderful choreography and outstanding editing, direction and production.
