2015 Sharp Short Dance Award Winners

Wrapping up its annual showcase of the dance industry’s rising stars, Sharp Short Dance, a dance festival presented by FORM Dance Projects at Riverside Theatres, announced its 2015 award winners on Saturday, November 14.

Sharp Short Dance is an annual celebration of talented young dancers and choreographers under the age of 21. This year, 65 choreographers and 110 dancers took part in the Festival, performing short, new and innovative dance works. From 43 dances, 17 were selected to continue to the final and were judged by a panel of industry professionals.

“Once again, a number of outstanding young dancers have impressed both the judges and audiences with courageous ideas and performance skills,” said Annette McLernon, director of FORM Dance Projects. “Sharp Short Dance continues to uncover hidden new talent and provide opportunities for young artists to be mentored, develop their choreographic and performance skills, meet like-minded young artists, and network with industry professionals.”

A highlight of this year’s Festival was a dynamic contemporary dance trio from 21-year-old Genevieve Morris. Morris, who won Most Innovative Choreography, said, “I learnt so much about my processes and capabilities as a dancer at Sharp Short Dance. Performing my work in front of a supportive audience and peers, and having all of that effort acknowledged by such reputable artists, is really beyond words.”

See the complete list of award winners below. For more information on FORM Dance Projects, visit http://form.org.au.

Most Innovative Choreography: Genevieve Morris for her work Learning Curve

Outstanding Female Dancer: Victoria Lewis

Outstanding Male Dancer: Kai Taberner

Outstanding Solo Performance: Jemma Malik

Outstanding Duet Performance: Insidious choreographed by Alessandra Rodrigues and performed by Emma McDermott and Jordyn Evans

Outstanding Ensemble Performance: Illagroovers

Audience Choice Award: Elastic Heart performed by Maddison Faye Weiley

Sydney Dance Company Sponsored Placement: Maddison Faye Weiley

Bangarra Dance Theatre Sponsored Placement: Zane Carr

The Dream Dance Company Sponsored Placement: Chantelle Landayan

Photo: Maddison Faye Weiley, who won the Audience Choice Award and the SDC Secondment. Photo courtesy of Kabuku Public Relations.