The Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards for 2011 took place today in London at The Place’s Robin Howard Dance Theatre.   

The awards are decided by the 60 members of the Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle after an extensive round of nominations and voting.   To be eligible, performances had to be given in the UK between 1st September 2010 and 31st August 2011 

2011 CRITICS’ CIRCLE NATIONAL DANCE AWARDS WINNERS

OUTSTANDING MALE PERFORMANCE (CLASSICAL)

• Gary Avis / The Royal Ballet

OUTSTANDING FEMALE PERFORMANCE (MODERN)

• Sylvie Guillem for 6,000 Miles Away

BEST INDEPENDENT COMPANY 

• Luca Silvestrini’s Protein 

BEST CLASSICAL CHOREOGRAPHY

• David Bintley for Cinderella  by Birmingham Royal Ballet

BEST MODERN CHOREOGRAPHY

• Akram Khan for Vertical Road

OUTSTANDING FEMALE PERFORMANCE (CLASSICAL)

• Sophie Martin  / Scottish Ballet

OUTSTANDING MALE PERFORMANCE (MODERN)

• Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui for Dunas

JOHN DOYLE CONSTRUCTION AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COMPANY

• Mariinsky Ballet 

JANE ATTENBOROUGH DANCE UK INDUSTRY AWARD

• David Burnie / Director of Administration and Finance, The Place 

THE DANCING TIMES AWARD FOR BEST MALE DANCER

• Steven McRae / The Royal  Ballet

GRISHKO AWARD FOR BEST FEMALE DANCER

• Daria Klimentová / English National Ballet

DE VALOIS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT 

• Ashley Page / Artistic Director, Scottish Ballet 

A full list of dancers, choreographers and companies nominated for National Dance Awards can be found at www.criticscircle.org.uk

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Awards committee, Graham Watts OBE, said:

 ‘These awards emphasise the UK’s thriving dance culture and it is wonderful to see so many superb artists and companies nominated by the dance critics for 2011. We are especially delighted to have come to the home of contemporary dance in London for the awards ceremony.’ 

For the second year, the Master of Ceremonies was the Chief Executive of The Place, Kenneth Tharp OBE, who said: 

 ‘The National Dance Awards are a hugely important moment in the annual calendar for us all to celebrate the most memorable achievements in dance from the past year. As both a natural home and springboard for the careers of so many artists, we are delighted this year to be hosting the awards here at The Place for the first time. Warmest congratulations to all those who have been nominated.’  

The 2011 National Dance Awards Sponsors are: Grishko, Dancing Times, John Doyle Construction, The Ballet Association, Lee McLernon, Paul & Shirlie Morrell, The Critics’ Circle and Dance UK for the Jane Attenborough Dance UK Industry Award.