After an outstanding career as an internationally acclaimed principal artist with The Australian Ballet, Marilyn dedicated her life to The Australian Ballet School and its students, helping shape the future of young dancers through her leadership, vision and innovative education programs.
Marilyn has been instrumental in developing a world-class unique dance training institution that produces distinctly Australian dancers who have learned through a holistic educational program which balances technique, artistry, academic education and student care. She was the driving force behind the establishment of Marilyn Rowe House, a residence for the Australian Ballet School.
Marilyn has also created a phenomenal body of work as a brilliant performer. Equally outstanding in both classical and contemporary techniques, Marilyn had an acclaimed partnership with Kelvin Coe which included winning the prize for most outstanding couple at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow (1973) as well as individual silver medals. In 1978 they were the first Australians to be invited to dance with the Bolshoi. Marilyn inspired great choreographers to make famous and ground-breaking works, such as Gemini (Glen Tetley) The Merry Widow (Ronald Hynd) and Anna Karenina (André Prokovsky).
A multi-award winning performer, artist, director and teacher, Marilyn’s legacy to dance, dance education and to Australian arts and culture is far reaching and will be long-lasting. Her contribution has been acknowledged with her appointment as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1980 for her services to ballet in Australia, and now with this Australian Dance Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The 2015 Australian Dance Awards will be presented at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide on Saturday 12 September. For more information, visit: www.australiandanceawards.net.au for details.
Image: Marilyn Rowe OBE