Joyful production scoops Harlequin dance prize at Theatre Awards night

Winner of the British Harlequin sponsored 'Achievement in Dance' category at the recent Theatrical Management Association Theatre Awards Ceremony was Brooklyn based, The Mark Morris Dance Group. Toby Beazley, Executive Director, Dance Umbrella stepped up on their behalf to collect the prize from former Royal Ballet Principal, Ivan Putrov. 

The 2010 TMA Theatre Awards Ceremony staged at London’s Lyric Hammersmith on Sunday 7th November and hosted by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, marked Harlequin’s debut as sponsors of the dance category. Nominees selected by the combined decision of public members and industry experts were invited to the Awards ceremony to join TMA members in celebrating achievements of the past year in Theatre, Opera and Dance. TMA membership includes repertory and producing theatres, arts centres, touring companies and venues, major national companies and independent producers, opera and dance companies and associated businesses. 

Nominations for the Harlequin sponsored Award were:- 

• Danza Contemporanea de Cuba for its vibrant performances, especially MAMBO 3XX1 by George Cespédes. Mambo 3XX1 was co-commissioned by Dance Consortium, DanceEast and Sadler’s Wells. 

• The Mark Morris Dance Group for a joyful production of L'ALLEGRO, IL PENSERO ED IL MODERATO. 

• The dancers of Scottish Ballet for their sleek and authoritative performance of William Forsythe's WORKWITHINWORK.

 

Group Marketing Manager Mark Rasmussen revealed that Harlequin had chosen to sponsor the 'Achievement in Dance' award in recognition of the importance of dance, the quality of work being created and in support of the wider dance community at all levels. "British Harlequin is delighted to encourage dance companies to strive to achieve great performances and the TMA Awards provide recognition for achievement at the highest level. "

Top picture: Toby Beazley receives the prize for the TMA Theatre Award for Achievement in Dance from Ivan Putrov.

Picture left: far left Sarah Temlett (UK Marketing Manager) with the compare for the awards, Australian dancer, choreographer, theatre director and TV Personality Craig Revel Horwood (2nd left).