The winners of the 2019 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards were announced on Saturday night (30 November), following the opening night performance of The Nutcracker at the Sydney Opera House.
The 2019 Rising Star award, which includes a $20,000 cash prize, was presented to Jill Ogai.
The 2019 Telstra People’s Choice Award was presented to Marcus Morelli. This is the second time he has won this award.
Presented annually, the Telstra Ballet Dance Awards recognise The Australian Ballet’s rising stars and the next generation of dance talent.
“Jill has had an exceptional year,” remarks TAB’s artistic director David McAllister. “She has worked extremely hard and taken up every opportunity thrown her way with passion and determination. Jill is a powerful, expressive dancer who shines brightly on stage transitioning from classical to contemporary programs with ease. I’m excited for her future and I’m certain she will continue to be an inspiration to young dancers across the country and thanks to Telstra she has the support to propel her career even further.
“Marcus has taken on 2019 head first and never looked back,” continues McAllister. “His determination and commitment to dance has seen him excel in multiple principal roles through the year and it was evident the audience always felt the same way about his talent as we do. His athletic, authentic and expansive performances are something special to behold and he has an extremely bright ballet career ahead of him.”
Pictured top: Telsta Ballet Dancer Award winners Jill Ogai and Marcus Morelli at the Awards presentation on Saturday night. Photo: Lisa Tomasetti.