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The 2008 winner is Martin Harvey
The nominations for 2008 were:
Esteban Berlanga, Martin Harvey and Eric Underwood
More information about each artist is given below:
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Esteban Berlanga
(English National Ballet)
Berlanga, while still ranked as a first dancer with English National Ballet, has been chosen for leading roles in Swan Lake (Siegfried), The Sleeping Beauty (Prince Désiré) and, most recently, in Manon (Des Grieux). Born in Spain 21 years ago, he trained at the Conservatoire in Madrid. He was a member of Europa Danse from 2003 to 2005 and joined English National Ballet in 2006. He is admired for his elegant line and clean finish, and for his portrayal of ballet’s princes as more than mere ciphers.
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Martin Harvey
(The Royal Ballet)
As a great dance actor, Martin Harvey’s career highlights have included the title role in Onegin, Rudolf in Mayerling, Colas, Mercutio and Lescaut for The Royal Ballet. Harvey’s strong technique, powerful physicality and charismatic stage presence have earned him two previous nominations in this category. Last season he reached new heights with a high-octane Gaveston in David Bintley’s Edward II for Birmingham Royal Ballet and a lead role in Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering, at Covent Garden, where he exhibited star quality. He has now left The Royal Ballet to dance the lead role in London’s production of Dirty Dancing.
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Eric Underwood
(The Royal Ballet)
Born in Washington DC, the tall and muscular Eric Underwood studied at the School of American Ballet before becoming a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2000. Two years later he was invited to join American Ballet Theatre where he danced many leading roles. He joined The Royal Ballet in 2006 and was promoted to soloist in July 2008. Underwood makes a princely figure demonstrating secure clean technique. In contemporary roles, he offers powerful dancing with athletic leaps that easily cover the stage and super flexible limbs that soar effortlessly.
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Picture credits
Rupert Pennefather © Dee Conway,
Esteban Berlanga © Patrick Baldwin,
Martin Harvey © Bill Cooper,
Eric Underwood © Johan Persson.
All text is © copyright of the Critics' Circle / National Dance Awards. |
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