Melbourne dancer and choreographer, Erin O’Rourke, is the winner of this year’s Telstra Emerging Choreographer (TEC) award. She is only the second dancemaker to receive the $10,000 prize, courtesy of The Australian Ballet’s Principal Partner Telstra. It will support the development of her choreographic practice and allow her to connect with the broader dance community. The winner of the inaugural prize in 2021 was Western Sydney dancer and choreographer Feras Shaheen. He has since been working with The Australian Ballet to create a piece for the Bodytorque.Digital season premiering next year.

TEC 2022 Winner Erin O’Rourke. Photo © Nicole Cleary, courtesy of the artist and The Australian Ballet

Launched last year by The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director David Hallberg, the TEC award is dedicated to nurturing talented, emerging dance makers across all genres of dance. “I’m thrilled that this initiative allows us to connect with emerging independent artists of Erin’s calibre,” Hallberg said.

Telstra Principal, Media, Sponsorship & Awards, Genelle Sharples, said, “Telstra and The Australian Ballet are proud to be fostering the next generation of artists. The TEC award aims to inspire up-and-coming Australian choreographers by providing them...