The Sydney premiere of The Australian Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland wasn’t the only thing worth celebrating last night. Valerie Tereshchenko, a newly made soloist at the company who had just played a flower and a playing card onstage, was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Telstra Ballet Dancer Award. The $20,000 cash prize is awarded annually to an outstanding young artist within the company.

Telstra Group Executive Media and Chief Marketing Officer Joe Pollard made the announcement onstage last night during curtain calls. “One of the greatest successes in our 33-year partnership with The Australian Ballet has been the establishment and legacy of the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, which is dedicated to supporting the growth and future of The Australian Ballet’s rising stars”, she said. “On behalf of Telstra I’d like to congratulate Valerie on this outstanding achievement. Adding this remarkable accomplishment to her list is a sure sign of a thriving career with The Australian Ballet”.

“I’m thrilled to see rising star Valerie Tereshchenko acknowledged for her dedication and artistry as this year’s winner, and I look forward to watching this award boost her trajectory”, added The Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, David McAllister.

Kiev-born...