Women have performed strongly at the 2018 Australian Dance Awards, claiming six of the twelve awards on offer. Presented by Ausdance and Harlequin Floors, the 2018 Australian Dance Awards were held at Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday 8 September alongside an exciting display of Australian dance.

Chair of the Australian Dance Awards committee Robina Beard OAM said, “As non-voting chairperson, I am amazed by the dedication, expertise and knowledge this selection panel has given to the nominations for the 2018 Dance Awards.  The result of these hours of commitment are before us and I congratulate all our winners!”

Former dance critic and writer Hillary Trotter received the Services to Dance award and dance trainer and education Katrina Rank the Services to Dance Education award. Raewyn Hill’s Co3 contemporary dance company took out the Outstanding Achievement in Youth Dance award whilst renowned choreographer Stephanie Lake was recognised with the Outstanding Achievement in Choreography award. The award for Most Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer was presented to Jana Castillo and finally, filmmaker Sue Healey won Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film or New Media.

The annual awards celebrate the talent, vibrancy and innovation of Australian dancers, choreographers and participants across the country. The awards specifically recognise the vast diversity of the dance profession, acknowledging and rewarding those whose achievements help to shape the future of dance in Australia.

Attendees were treated to performances by Aboriginal Centre of Performing Arts (ACPA), Elements Collective, Expressions Dance Company, Phluxus2 Dance Collective, Sprung! Integrated Dance Theatre (Northern Rivers NSW) and Queensland Ballet.

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