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The major event on the dance calendar - the Australian Dance Awards, will premiere in Melbourne’s Arts Centre, State Theatre on Sunday 15 June, 2008. The Gala Performance and Awards event will be hosted by Michael Veitch, ABC Sunday Arts presenter, and feature performances in a variety of dance forms by some of the country’s finest companies and artists including The Australian Ballet, Chunky Move, Mabo Dance Company, Billy Elliot and Dancenorth.
 
The Australian Dance Awards is the one-night-of-the-year when Australia’s top dance creators and performers are gathered in one place and audience members can experience the performances of the top works of the year.  2008 marks the beginning of a new era and a new home for the Awards, which sold out performances at the Sydney Opera House from 2004 to 2007. Melbourne will play host to 2010, and for its inaugural event has introduced an exciting new Public Dance Program and Industry Symposium as part of the celebrations.
 
The Australian Dance Awards Awards identify Australian dance professionals, both in Australia and overseas, who have distinguished themselves in performance, choreography, design, dance writing, teaching and the many other related professions inextricably woven into dance. The Awards celebrate the talent, achievements and contributions of these professionals. Nominations from dance lovers all over Australia are assessed by a panel of highly respected dance professionals and presented to the winners by the luminaries of the industry on Awards night.
 
For those unable to attend the Awards themselves, the free Public Dance Program will offer a wonderful opportunity for moving and shaking as the Arts Centre precinct turns into a breath-taking swirl of colour and movement. Children can take their first dancing steps at Artplay and dance lovers of all ages join in workshops by some of our finest choreographers, while a series of specially choreographed performances, entitled ‘Fresh Dance, New Beats’ will shake up some traditional dance styles.
 
The Dance Symposium at the Black Box will look at the history of dance in Melbourne from the 1930s to the present, with a focus on ballet and modern dance.  In Australian dance history, many of the most significant artists, companies and movements arose in Melbourne.  Presentations based on interviews especially conducted for this project will be accompanied by photographs, film, and plenty of discussion. Symposiums with a national and international focus are planned for 09 and 10 respectively.
 
The Australian Dance Awards were initiated over ten years ago to provide a focal point for the celebration of excellence in Australian dance. Over time, the Awards have evolved into the industry’s ‘night of nights’. They are a not to be missed opportunity for dance lovers to sample the very best ballet, contemporary dance and stage performance in one night and rub shoulders with the best movers and shakers in the country.


AusDance Victoria presents
The Australian Dance Awards
the landmark dance event recognising excellence in Australian Dance

Venue: The Arts Centre, State Theatre
Date/Time: Sunday 15 June @7:30pm
Bookings: ticketmaster 13 61 00 or www.ticketmaster.com.au  
www.australiandanceawards.net.au