American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Marcelo Gomes has taken the 2008 Benois de la Danse prize. The awards were announced at the Benois de la Danse ceremony and Charity Gala held on May 6 and 7 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.

Gomes was recognized as best male dancer for his portrayal of the title role in Lar Lubovitch’s Othello, as well as his performances in Jorma Elo’s C. to C. (Close to Chuck) which premiered during American Ballet Theatre’s Fall season at New York City Center in October. Gomes, who shared the male dancer prize with Carlos Acosta, accepted the award in person and performed excerpts from Othello and C. to C. (Close to Chuck) opposite Julie Kent (a Benois de la Danse Laureate) at the Charity Gala.

The Benois de la Danse Prize was established in 1992 by the International Dance Association (now the International Dance Union) and UNESCO. The annual prize recognizes the achievements of the most outstanding choreographer, female dancer, male dancer, composer and designer of the previous year. Nominees and awardees are selected by an international jury of dance luminaries including company directors, teachers and well-known artists in the world of ballet.

Principal Dancer Gillian Murphy and ABT Master Teaching Associate Kirk Peterson each received nominations for this year’s Benois de la Danse Prize in the respective categories of most outstanding female dancer and choreographer.

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