Critics’ Circle 21^st National Dance Awards 2020

In a period of few opportunities for live performance or awards ceremonies, congratulations are due to Graham Watts, Chair of the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards and his team. As well as to the 456 nominees, 81 shortlisted nominations and winners in the 15 awards categories. In response to the impact of the pandemic, the qualifying time frame for the 21^st annual awards was expanded. The event moved on-line, and new categories were added to recognise responses to the pandemic including film and digital choreography. 

While ballet tends to dominate the nominations, Rambert’s Simone Damburg Würtz became the first female contemporary dancer to win ‘Best Female Dancer’ this year. The Awards offer a glimpse into the variety of dance available to audiences across the UK from home-grown and international artists and companies. EncoreEast is particularly thrilled that some of our special friends were nominated with some winning in their category.

Arielle Smith – worked with EncoreEast on an extract from Jolly Folly which was nominated for Best Digital Choreography. Arielle won the Emerging Artist Award. Congratulations Arielle.

Luca Silvestrini’s Protein – Stuart Waters worked with us on creating Me, My Body and I, the re-imagining of Dear Body. The Company was nominated for Best Modern Choreography for The Little Prince that included composer and musician Frank Moon and was nominated for Outstanding Creative Contribution. Many of us enjoyed seeing The Little Prince at DanceEast.

Alleyne Dance – gave a Zoom workshop for EncoreEast while the Company was in rehearsal at DanceEast and won Best Short Dance Film for (Re)United.

Dana Fouras – of Ipswich-based Russell Maliphant Dance Company with whom we are currently working on an extensive project was nominated in the Outstanding Female Modern Performance.

Richard Alston Dance Company – many of us have enjoyed workshops and performances at Norwich Theatre Royal and at Snape Maltings. They  won the category for Outstanding Company.

By Jeanette Siddall