CLICK HERE for a printable PDF of the 2010 Shortlist
For full details of the Awards and their history,
including all previous winners, CLICK HERE
Lifetime Achievement Award
William (Bill) Akers AM
'I prefer to be a man that wangles things from behind'.
Bill Akers' contribution to theatre and dance over the last sixty years is outstanding, not only in Australia, but internationally. He began his career as a dancer, actor, choreographer and director in radio, film and theatre. Bill worked as stage manager and administrator for the Borovansky Ballet and Production Director and Lighting Designer with The Australian Ballet. He has been a colourful and influential Senior Manager for the company. Bill was the inaugural Production Director of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust and has been a mentor those in the Australian Stage Management industry.
As an administrator, manager and designer with many of our dance and theatre companies, Bill has raised the standards of production and lighting design for both theatre and ballet. He has been an ambassador for Australian dance around the world and is recognised by choreographers the world over for his lighting for theatre and dance. Bill is the recipient of numerous awards including the Chevalier de Sahamet'rei awarded to him by Prince Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia, an AM for Services to lighting, ballet and the theatre, and a Green Room Award.
Services to dance
Stephen Page
For making Indigenous dance such a vital part of our culture by telling the stories of his people through music and dance; for his confidence and freedom as a choreographer; for the respect he as earned as a Indigenous voice on social and cultural issues, and for his inspired directorship of Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Outstanding achievement in dance education
Maggi Phillips
For being a great teacher; a lateral and imaginative thinker in the classroom; a much-loved mentor for many graduate students; an assiduous researcher and for shaping many successful careers in dance.
Outstanding achievement in youth or community dance
Restless Dance Theatre
Bedroom dancing
For a beautifully designed, unusual and captivating work which capitalises on the individual qualities of its performers; for providing an intimate and interactive performance experience for any audience, including those with any physical and sensory impairment.
Outstanding achievement in choreography
Meryl Tankard & Paul White
The Oracle (independent)
For articulate and intricate choreography and beautifully evocative design, which reflects influences of many great artists but is distinctly individual and always entrancing.
Outstanding performance by a company
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Fire—A retrospective
For a captivating and moving performance by dancers with wonderful integrity, intense dramatic power, and great physical aplomb.
Outstanding achievement in independent dance
Sue Peacock
Questions without notice
For a work that is at once comic, tragic and thought-provoking with an innovative blend of dance, theatre, improvisation, film and sound, and seamless, seductive choreography.
Outstanding performance by a female dancer
Lana Jones
Firebird
(The Australian Ballet)For outstanding technique and wonderful charisma, and her command of the entire stage throughout the show with her breathtaking dancing and dramatic intensity.
Outstanding performance by a male dancer
Paul White
The Oracle (independent)
For the powerful, mesmerising and sensitive execution of this epic solo, demonstrating an outstanding combination of athleticism, technique, beauty, elegance and interpretation.
Outstanding performance in a stage musical
Caroline O'Connor
Chicago
For her brilliant characterisation, gorgeous dancing, terrific singing and incredible energy—an Australian icon.