2003 Critics' Circle National Dance Awards winners
www.nationaldanceawards.com

The winners of the 2003 Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards were announced at a special ceremony at Sadler’s Wells Theatre today.

Angela Rippon, well-known journalist and broadcaster was joined by Dame Alicia Markova, Elaine Paige, Russian dance star Irek Mukhamedov and a host of dancers representing the major dance companies of the United Kingdom.

Angela Rippon as Mistress of Ceremonies led the dance community in its annual celebration of the best in British dance. Attended by English National Ballet, Rambert Dance Company, The Royal Ballet, Walker Dance Park Music, Northern Ballet Theatre, Henri Oguike Dance Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet, George Piper Dances (the Ballet Boyz) and Scottish Dance Theatre among others.

The dazzling audience applauded Adam Cooper’s double whammy for Best Musical Theatre Choreography (presented by Elaine Paige) and the new Audience Award where the public, rather than critics, choose the winner.

The winners of the 2003 Critics' Circle National Dance Awards are:

De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance
Val Bourne, Dance Umbrella Artistic Director

Best Male Dancer
Carlos Acosta, Royal Ballet

Best Female Dancer
Zenaida Yanowsky, Royal Ballet

Audience Award
Adam Cooper

Sunday Express Children's Award
Harry Walker, tap dancer with distinction

Dance UK Industry Award
Theresa Beattie, Director of Artist Development, The Place

Committee Special Award
Lez Brotherston, Designer

Best Choreography (Classical)
Michael Corder, English National Ballet

Best Choreography (Modern)
Akram Khan, for his own company

Best Choreography (Musical Theatre)
Adam Cooper for On Your Toes

Outstanding Female Artist (Modern)
Ana Lujan Sanchez, Rambert Dance Company

Outstanding Male Artist (Modern)
Henry Montes, Siobhan Davies Dance Company

Outstanding Female Artist (Classical)
Oxana Panchenko, George Piper Dances

Outstanding Male Artist (Classical)
Robert Parker, Birmingham Royal Ballet

Company Prize for Outstanding Repertoire (Classical)
English National Ballet

Company Prize for Outstanding Repertoire (Modern)
Scottish Dance Theatre

Best Foreign Dance Company
Paul Taylor Dance Company


More details on the awards, all the 2003 nominations and past winners can be found on the awards website at: www.nationaldanceawards.com

For more information contact:
Jeffery Taylor
0208 998 7136
jt@jefferytaylor.co.uk <mailto:jt@jefferytaylor.co.uk>

Really nice to see Val Bourne get recognised for her quarter century plus of dedication.

Graham

There was lots of time for chat, and a few drinks; then the presentation ceremony itself was compered by Angela Rippon, who managed to perfection the tricky job of keeping things ticking along briskly without appearing to rush. One of the pleasures of the event is that you get a double helping of famous faces: not just the stars of today who've won the prizes, but also the great names - David Wall, Peter Wright, Irek Mukhamedov - who are there to hand over the awards. Yvonne Sherrington - who has done so much to support this event in the last few years - presented Zenaida Yanowsky with the award which commemorates her late husband.

There were several new categories this year, including an audience vote which went (to no-one's great surprise) to Adam Cooper, and one sponsored by the Sunday Express, for a child whose dancing success has been achieved despite the gravest of problems. Harry Walker, who won that one, went away loaded down with a painting, parcels and other gifts. The new Dance UK Industry Award, for an unsung hero of the profession, went to Theresa Beattie, Director of Artist Development at The Place.

This year, unlike last, the winners were encouraged to say a few words. As usual at these events, modesty and gratitude prevailed, and the more interesting comments came from those speaking by proxy for absent honorands. So Clement Crisp was eloquent in praise of Paul Taylor, Siobhan Davies spoke movingly of her admiration for Henry Montes, and Jonathan Cope's rendition of Carlos Acosta's message was a collector's piece: I wasn't taking notes but I do remember that it began 'Hey, man...'

After the last presentation, the Jiving Lindy Hoppers erupted into the arena to see us out. I believe one or two critics were inveigled into joining in, but I thought it better not to look. A happy occasion, and we look forward to next year!