Dance artists, managers and advocates honoured on Australia Day

It’s always a pleasure to see the names of Australian dance artists, teachers, administrators and advocates in the Australia Day honours list. Congratulations to those who have been recognised this year:

Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order Of Australia

Shane Colquhoun, for significant service to performing and cultural arts administration.
A tireless advocate for the performing arts in Western Australia, Shane Colquhoun’s began his career as a dancer in Europe before joining West Australian Ballet (WAB). Some years later he was later appointed WAB’s general manager. Colquhoun is an honorary life member of Ausdance in recognition of his service as president of the board at both WA and national level. In addition to his work in the dance sector, Colquhoun has worked extensively in theatre, both as a manager and board member, across a range of companies and organisations.

Paul Mercurio, for significant service to the performing arts, particularly to dance.
Paul Mercurio began his career as a dancer with Sydney Dance Company, and worked as a choreographer for many years, with a back catalogue of over 20 works. He is best known by the wider community for his many appearances on film and television, in particular for his role as Scott Hastings in the 1992 hit film Strictly Ballroom. Mercurio has also appeared as a judge on television's Dancing with the Stars.

Caroline O'Connor, for significant service to the performing arts, particularly to musical theatre.
Caroline O’Connor received national notoriety early on, winning the title of Australian Irish Dance Champion at age 10. After training at the Royal Ballet School, she returned to Australia and joined the Australian Opera Ballet. It was there that she met musical theatre star Anthony Warlow who suggested she move in the musicals. Since then she has performed in numerous musicals, both on stage and screen, ranging from The Boy from Oz to Moulin Rouge!, and has been recognised with awards both in Australia and overseas.

Congratulations too, to Annabelle Chaplain (Qld), a member of the board of The Australian Ballet since 2017, who was also named Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order Of Australia for significant service to business through a range of executive roles.

Lastly, congratulations to those who received a Medal (OAM) of the Order Of Australia in the General Division:

Geraldine Ryan (VIC), for service to Irish dancing.

Anna Davey (NSW), for service to circus performance and physical theatre.

Maude Davey (VIC), for service to the performing arts, particularly as an artistic director.