An evening with Leanne Benjamin – in conversation with Ross Alley – took place on 2 July at English National Ballet. The former Royal Ballet Principal only recently retired after a 21 year career, and had much to tell about her career, life and experiences. Leanne discussed her illustrious career in conversation with Ross Alley incorporating selected film footage of highlights of her dancing and the important roles which she interpreted.
http://youtu.be/uea3gS2gyHw
In addition, a Leanne Benjamin scholarship scheme for young Australian dancers was also launched, in collaboration with the Tait Memorial Trust. The awards were created to recognise Leanne Benjamin as arguably the most successful ballerina ever to have come from Australia. Leanne danced with four of the world’s leading companies (Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, London Festival Ballet, Deutsche Oper Ballet and The Royal Ballet) and worked directly with many of the legends of 20th and 21st century ballet, in a career that spanned 30 years.
The Tait Memorial Trust new ballet awards will use Leanne’s name for The Leanne Benjamin Awards. The Awards have proved to be a turning point for the Tait Memorial Trust and are a testament to its intention to increase funding for young Australian dancers who wish to study in the UK, an art form where so many have gone on to an international career. The first recipient, Josephine Frick, a graduate of the Royal Ballet School, is now under contract with English National Ballet.
As a testament to the talent and career of Leanne, the evening was a unique opportunity, not only to hear a first-hand account of a first class ballet career, but also to help promising Australian ballet students who come to London to study at the world’s best ballet schools.