Following up on our interview with Isobelle Dashwood, the winner of the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards has been announced. Of the six incredible talented finalists, Jill Ogai, the Bondi-raised soloist with The Australian Ballet; and Marcus Morelli. senior artist from Melbourne have taken home the accolades.

With over 50,000 votes submitted online and via SMS – the highest total yet – Jill Ogai will receive $20,000 for her award as the ‘Telstra Rising Star Award’.

(Jill) She has worked extremely hard and taken up every opportunity thrown her way with passion and determination. Jill is a powerful, expressive dancer who shines brightly on stage transitioning from classical to contemporary programs with ease” said The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, David McAllister

Marcus Morelli, who also won the ‘People’s Choice Award’ in 2015, won it for the second time now; the third person to have won it twice. Morelli will take home $5000 for his impressive year.

(Marcus) His determination and commitment to dance has seen him excel in multiple principal roles through the year and it was evident the audience always felt the same way about his talent as we do. His athletic, authentic and expansive performances are something special to behold…” added David McAllister

The aim of the awards ceremony is to “nurture Australia’s brilliant ballet talent” and provide support to some of the country’s brightest stars in their careers. It also serves as a source of inspiration for all Australians wishing to get involved.

Jill Ogai

Was born in Sydney and raised in Bondi, starting ballet classes at the young age of four. She began at The Ballet Class Rose Bay, trained with Sheila Lang and Elayne Cherry when her family moved to Adelaide, to eventually studying full-time at The Australian Ballet School when she was 14.

She joined The Australian Ballet in 2012, and was promoted to soloist in 2018.

Marcus Morelli

Was born in Melbourne and started dance classes at the age of ten. Studying at the Jane Moore Academy of Ballet and The Australian Ballet School, he joined The Australian Ballet in 2014, was promoted to Coryphée the following year, then soloist in 2017 and finally senior Artis after the 2018 season of Spartacus.

For more details, visit Telstra.com.au