2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards

20 years of supporting ballet's rising stars

This year, we are proud to celebrate 20 years of the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards.
The awards were created in 2003 to support the rising stars of The Australian Ballet, and many winners have gone on to become principal artists at the company.
Five of the rising star nominees from The Australian Ballet. Telstra logo shown next to Australian Ballet logo.

Introducing our 2023 nominees

Being nominated for the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards is an incredible achievement. Our strong, brave and fearless five put themselves on the line every day, in pursuit of their dream to become an extraordinary dancer at the peak of their profession.

  • [Music]

    Footage: Ballet dancers in tutus are shown.

    Presenting the 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award Nominees.

    Footage: Adam, a male ballet dancer leaps across the screen.

    Footage: Lilla, a female ballet dancer in a blue tutu dances.

    Footage: Riley, a female ballet dancer in a black dress dances.

    Footage: Isobelle, a female ballet dancer in an orange dress dances.

    Footage: Katherine, a female ballet dancer in a while tutu dances.

    20 years supporting ballet’s rising stars.

Discover their unique inspirations and vote for your favourite to win People’s Choice Award.

Adam Elmes

Adam is a second-time nominee, a beautiful dancer and a kind soul. He’s passionate about connecting with his audience through raw emotion on stage and is the ultimate storyteller through embodying a character or personifying a feeling.

  • Meet Adam. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award nominee.

    Footage: Adam, a male ballet dancer, dances in a ballet dance class.

    Footage: Adam dances solo on stage in blue tights and a white ballet vest.

    Vote Adam. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards.

    Logo of Telstra and logo of The Australian Ballet displayed on screen.

Isobelle Dashwood

Isobelle is down to earth, family oriented and an incredible talent. She exudes elegance and grace on the stage, and excels in all genres of dance. She is a third time nominee.

  • Meet Isobelle. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award nominee.

    Footage: Isobelle, a female ballet dancer, dances with a partner in a ballet class.

    Footage: Isobelle dances solo on stage in an orange dress.

    Vote Isobelle. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards.

    Logo of Telstra and logo of The Australian Ballet displayed on screen.

Katherine Sonnekus

Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Katie is a citizen of the world, having lived and danced in four countries. She feels like the truest version of herself when she dances and she has the innate ability to mesmerise an audience with her poise and style.

  • Meet Katherine. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award nominee.

    Footage: Katherine, a female ballet dancer, dances with a partner in a ballet class.

    Footage: Katherine dances solo on stage in a white dress.

    Vote Katherine. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards.

    Logo of Telstra and logo of The Australian Ballet displayed on screen.

Lilla Harvey

At only 21, Lilla is a deep thinker, and a dedicated and passionate dancer. She loves to explore contemporary movement and thrives off the energy from an audience to master her performances.

  • Meet Lilla. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award nominee.

    Footage: Lilla, a female ballet dancer, dances in a ballet class.

    Footage: Lilla dances solo on stage in a blue dress.

    Vote Lilla. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards.

    Logo of Telstra and logo of The Australian Ballet displayed on screen.

Riley Lapham

Determined, curious and adventurous, Riley is constantly in the pursuit of excellence. Her love of music helps Riley immerse fully into a performance, and this sense of connection is infectious on stage.

  • Meet Riley. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award nominee.

    Footage: Riley, a female ballet dancer, dances with a partner in a ballet class.

    Footage: Riley dances solo on stage in a black dress.

    Vote Riley. 2023 Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards.

    Logo of Telstra and logo of The Australian Ballet displayed on screen.

  • Information on how to enter forms part of these terms and conditions. By entering this promotion you are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.

    This promotion is being run by Telstra Limited, ABN 64 086 174 781) of 400 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 ("we", “us” or “our”).

    The promotion starts at 9am AEDST Tuesday 28 March 2023. Entries close and must be received by 11.59pm Tuesday 2 May 23 ("promotion period").

    Who can enter?

    Entry is open to all Australian residents, over the age of 18.

    How do you enter?

    To enter, you must, during the promotion period:

    a. Visit the following website telstra.com/ballet and select your favourite ballet dancer, fill in all appropriate fields and select ‘submit’.

    You can vote and enter multiple times.

    Entries that are incomplete, incorrect or illegible will be deemed invalid.

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