Kiwi dancer scoops major prize

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28 April 2008

Kiwi dancer scoops major prize

New Zealand School of Dance graduate Jane Casson has won a major Australian arts award. The Green Room Awards recognise the contribution that arts practitioners give to their industry and the general public, across categories such as cabaret, dance, opera and musical theatre. The Awards were announced last Sunday (subs: 20 April 2008) for the 2007 year.

“We are delighted that one of our graduates has been recognised at this level,” says New Zealand School of Dance Director, Garry Trinder. “Jane has enjoyed a stellar career to date, and receiving the prestigious Green Room Award is a great indicator of the hard work and artistry that goes into being a professional dancer.”

Jane Casson was born in Auckland and began her training at the age of six. At 16, Jane won The National John Logan Campbell Award and the following year moved to Wellington to train at The New Zealand School of Dance. She went on to become a company member with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and subsequently a soloist with the Australian Ballet.

Wellington audiences had the opportunity to see Jane in stunning form when she performed as a guest artist the New Zealand School of Dance 40th Anniversary Graduation Season last November. Her rendition of 4th Variation from Paquita received an overwhelmingly positive response from New Zealand audience members and critics alike.

The Green Room Award has capped off an exciting time in Jane’s career. “To be the recipient of a Green Room Award was truly a great honor,” says Jane. “It was such an exciting and memorable day for me and I felt proud to receive such a prestigious award within the arts community.”

Jane was in excellent company alongside her fellow nominees in the Female Dancer category of the Awards, including Yolande Brown (Bangarra Dance Theatre), Stephanie Lake (Aether, Pieces for Small Spaces), Madeleine Eastoe (Australian Ballet) and Brooke Stamp (BalletLab).

“The 25th Green Room Awards have been an outstanding opportunity to honour and recognise excellence in a rollercoaster industry,” said President of the Green Room Awards Association, Dr Mark Williams. “We are very grateful to all the artists and creators who astonished us in 2007.”

The Green Room voting year is from January 1st to December 31st each year. The nominations and awards are made by the Green Room membership of industry professionals, via sub committees for each discipline.

ENDS

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