The Australian Ballet and Telstra have announced Coryphée artist Adam Elmes as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, revealed on opening night of David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty at the Sydney Opera House. The accolade celebrates Adam’s exceptional artistry, leadership, and contribution to the Company, marking an important milestone in his flourishing career.
Now in its 22nd year, the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award recognises emerging artists who embody The Australian Ballet’s core values—ambition, boldness, inclusivity, respect, and responsibility. Supported through Telstra’s 41-year partnership with the Company, the Award celebrates excellence both on stage and within the Company’s creative culture.
Nominees were selected by The Australian Ballet’s artistic team, with the final decision made following interviews led by Artistic Director David Hallberg and Telstra’s Lyndall Stoyles, Group General Counsel and Group Executive, Legal, Regulatory, Government and Sustainability. Under Hallberg’s guidance, this year’s criteria placed a renewed emphasis on leadership, dedication, and character—qualities Adam has demonstrated throughout his time with the Company.
Hallberg praised the 2025 recipient, saying:
“The Telstra Ballet Dancer Award recognises exceptional artistry, commitment, and character—the qualities that allow a dancer to grow and inspire their peers. It is a pleasure to celebrate Adam’s achievement and the incredible contribution he has made to the artform as well as our audiences.”
Stoyles echoed the sentiment, reflecting on Telstra’s long-standing support of emerging talent:
“For 22 years, the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award has highlighted the remarkable talent shaping Australia’s ballet stage. Supporting emerging artists remains a priority for Telstra, and it is a privilege to continue our partnership with The Australian Ballet in recognising the next generation of leaders in dance.”
As the 2025 award recipient, Adam receives a $15,000 cash prize, recognising not only his artistic excellence but his leadership and impact within the Company. Many previous awardees have gone on to become Principal Artists and Soloists, a testament to the significance of this honour.
Through the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, The Australian Ballet and Telstra reaffirm their commitment to nurturing the next generation of Australian dance talent—supporting artists like Adam as they continue to inspire audiences nationwide.
About Adam Elmes
Born in Brisbane and raised in Sydney, Adam began dancing at the age of eight. He trained at the Valerie Smith Stage School, the Tanya Pearson Academy, and The Australian Ballet School before joining The Australian Ballet in 2020. He was promoted to Coryphée in 2023 and continues to be recognised as one of the Company’s most exciting rising artists.
