Australian Dance Awards

• Dance Awards home
• How to nominate
• Nominations FAQs

• 08 Dance Awards
• 08 Shortlist
• Panel
• Contacts

Nominations FAQs

What constitutes an eligible work?

Professional performance that has premiered (or been remounted, reworked, recast) between 1 January and 31 December the previous year.

What are the categories in which I can nominate?

Lifetime achievement, services to dance, dance education, choreography, independent dance, performance by a company, performance by a female dancer, performance by a male dancer, performance in a stage musical. Eligibility for each category is clearly outlined in the Selection Criteria and on the nomination forms.

When can I nominate?

Any time during the year—whenever you have been inspired, moved or captivated! Nominations for the 2009 Awards must be received by 28 February 2009.

How do I nominate?

Nomination forms are available on the website or from any Ausdance office.

Can I just email a name and my comments?

Yes, but make sure you are aware of the selection criteria for each category and that you choose the appropriate category for your nominee.

Where do I send my nomination?

Email Leanne at the national office national@ausdance.org.au. Be sure to include reasons for your selection (1 – 3 sentences).

What if I don't give reasons for my nomination?

This lessens the chance of your nominee getting adequate consideration by national panel members, who may not have seen all of the work/artists being nominated. You need to make a case for each nominee.

How are the winners chosen?

After the closing date for nominations, Ausdance National provides the selection panel with the list of nominees, along with supporting comments received and the number and location of nominations. Each panel member shortlists, in order of preference, their top four in each category. The votes are then tallied by allocating four points for each nominee rated first by a panel member, three points for those in second place, and so on. Once all the points have been tallied, the four people with the highest score in each category become the shortlisted nominees.

This list is then submitted to the panel for a second round of voting. If there are ties or if scores are extremely close, there is discussion between panel members until a unanimous decision is made.

How does the nomination and selection process work?

The nomination and selection process is co-ordinated by Ausdance National. There is a selection panel consisting of a Chair, two Advisers and 16 Panel members. This selection of eminent dance professionals, with representation from all states and territories is constituted each year to choose a shortlist from the dance community’s nominations, and to select final winners. The maximum term of service on the Selection Panel is three years. The Chair and panelists participate on a voluntary basis and we thank them for their generous contribution.

Who manages the awards ceremony?

The ceremony is managed by Ausdance Victoria. A curatorial advisory panel is constituted each year to be responsible for the artistic direction of the ceremony and performance program. This panel includes the Director of Ausdance Victoria, the Chair of the Selection Panel, and 3 – 4 dance community representatives.

Who makes the decisions?

In order to be transparent, fair and as objective as possible, we gather and address all feedback about the nomination, selection and voting processes. This is facilitated by Ausdance National in consultation with the Selection Panel, Ausdance Victoria and the advisors.