Congratulations to Callum Linnane, who has been named the 2016 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award winner, and to Jarryd Madden who has won the Telstra’s People’s Choice Award.
A self-described “boy from Ballarat, Linnane (21) began tap dance at age 7 and ballet at age 11, inspired by Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean Motown special DVD. He joined the Australian Ballet in 2015 and has featured in performances of Symphony in C and In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated in 2016. Most recently he was honoured with the lead role (shared by seven dancers) of Nijinksy in John Neumeier’s ballet of the same name.
Linnane will received a $20 000 cash prize from the Australian Ballet’s principal partner Telstra in recognition of his exceptional talent and achievements throughout the year.
Winner of the $5000 Telstra’s People Choice Award, Jarryd Madden started dancing at the age of three at his local dance school in Wauchope, NSW. He remained there until 2005 when, aged 16, he joined Melbourne’s National Theatre Ballet School. Jarryd joined The Australian Ballet in 2008; he was promoted to coryphée in 2011 and to soloist in 2015. The People’s Choice Award is decided by online public vote.
Top: Callum Linnane and Jarryd Madden. Photo Lisa Tomasetti.