Australian Ballet wins at British UK Critics' Circle National Dance Awards
23 January 2006
The Australian Ballet has won the “Best Foreign Dance Company” prize at the UK Critics' Circle National Dance Awards.
Founded six years ago, the Awards are widely considered Great Britain’s Dance Oscars highlighting the astonishing diversity of dance and its vital contribution to cultural life.
The Australian Ballet was one of the three finalists nominated in the Best Foreign Dance Company category alongside Pina Bausch and National Ballet of Cuba.
The announcement is a triumph for The Australian Ballet and consolidates the success of our recent UK Swan Lake tour. Following a twelve year absence, The Australian Ballet returned to the UK last July, presenting 13 performances of
Graeme Murphy’s multiple award-winning production of Swan Lake. On its international debut in Cardiff and London, this powerful interpretation of the iconic ballet was greeted with rapturous standing ovations and European critics were equally enthusiastic in their praise.
The tour marked the company’s 27th overseas tour in its 42 year history.
This award is the first major international acknowledgement since David McAllister took over as Artistic Director.
McAllister said, “This win is doubly exciting: firstly, it’s always an honour to win such a prestigious international award; but moreover, it is thrilling that our first tour to the UK in 12 years has generated
such incredible interest and recognition. It’s great to know that the critics agreed with the standing ovations given by the audience!”
“This is an outstanding company…”
John Percival, The Stage UK, 2005
“…the company is on ripping form…”
London Metro, 2005
“The entire company performance spoke of dedication and heartening achievement."
Clement Crisp, Financial Times, UK 2005
”The Australian Ballet brings an account of Swan Lake glamorous enough to convince sceptics that ballet can tell a contemporary story as well as a mythical one. Murphy’s vision is compelling, danced with total conviction by a company we should see more often.”
The Observer, UK, 2005
