The 2011 National Dance Awards, presented by the dance section of the Critics' Circle, we awarded at a ceremony at The Place on Mon 23 January 2012. David Burnie, Director of Administration and Finance at The Place since 1989, was awarded the Jane Attenborough Dance UK Industry Award, which recognises the contribution of someone who, often behind-the-scenes, has a significant effect on the art form of dance.
The National Dance Awards ceremony was being held at The Place for the first time. Another winner with close ties to The Place was Work Place artist Luca Silvestrini, whose company Protein won the new catergory of Best Independent Company. Protein's latest work, LOL (lots of love) was co-commissioned by The Place, can be seen at The Place in March 2012.
Other winners attending the ceremony included Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Gary Avis and Steven McRae of The Royal Ballet, Daria Klimentova of English National Ballet and Sophie Martin of Scottish Ballet. Ashley Page, Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, received the De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Presenting David Burnie's award, Emma Gladstone, Artistic Programmer and Producer at Sadler's Wells, said: “David has many admirable qualities: patience, empathy, kindness, generosity, humility and true dedication to his work. I have rarely met anyone who listens as well as David does, who has the judgement and experience to decide when to intervene and when to leave well alone, who is so widely respected by generations.”
David Burnie said: “Given the long and distinguished list of past winners who have contributed so much to the world of dance it’s a real honour to be given this award.
I remain constantly amazed by how much is achieved within the independent dance sector with such limited resources. As resources become even more constrained I hope that the commitment and dedication from those who don’t get their moment of glory on stage and the opportunity to take their bow in public remain enough to keep the sector as vibrant and exciting as it is now.”
The Place's Chief Executive, Kenneth Tharp, who compered the ceremoy, said: "The National Dance Awards are a hugely important moment in the annual calendar for us all to celebrate the most memorable achievements in dance from the past year.
As both a natural home and springboard for the careers of so many artists, we are delighted this year to be hosting the awards here at The Place for the first time. Warmest congratulations to the winners and all the nominees."