Booz Allen Presents Steven McRae, Soloist of The Royal Ballet, Prestigious International Dance Award

McRae impressed judges with his abilities in classical and contemporary ballet.

LONDON, 18 October 2006 – Dr. Ralph Shrader, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Booz Allen Hamilton today announced the winner of the 2006 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Dance.  The award was accepted by Monica Mason, Director of The Royal Ballet on behalf of Steven McRae, Soloist of The Royal Ballet, at a reception prior to a performance of Coppélia, at the Royal Opera House in which McRae was dancing.

L to R: Steven McRae and Ralph Shrader

Ballet dancers competing for the award were judged on their stage presence and technical ability.  "Mr. McRae has demonstrated the ability to excel in both classical and contemporary works.  He shows personality in his dance and the promise of continued artistic excellence in ballet," said Ben Stevenson OBE.

The Ben Stevenson Rising Star Award for Excellence in Dance is named in honour of Ben Stevenson, O.B.E, internationally acclaimed choreographer, who is currently artistic director at the Texas Ballet Theatre.  This is the second year Booz Allen Hamilton has presented this award, which has been underwritten for a period of ten years.  Last year the award was given to Andre Silva, lead dancer for Texas Ballet Theater.  Andre is originally from Brazil and only 18 years of age.
 
“Booz Allen has enjoyed a long and rich history of supporting the arts in communities around the world in which it resides.  We believe the Rising Star award will help the ballet community identify and develop the talent of future luminaries in the world of dance, while providing recognition and support to young dancers” said Dr. Shrader.

Monica Mason, Director of The Royal Ballet said, “I am delighted that Booz Allen has looked to The Royal Ballet for this year’s award. There is much young  talent within the Company’s ranks and Steven McRae, who I promoted to Soloist at the beginning of this season, is an extremely worthy recipient of this international award.”