Aaron Clifton Moten, Jonny Orsini, Phillipa Soo & Amber Iman Nominated for Clive Barnes Awards

Susan Stroman and Wendy Whelan are set to host the 2014 Clive Barnes Awards, which will be held on January 6 (3pm), at the Walter Reade Theatre. This years' nominees for theatre are Aaron Clifton Moten for his performance in The Flick, Jonny Orsini for his performance in The Nance, Phillipa Soo for her performance in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, and Amber Iman for her performance in Soul Doctor. This year's nominees for dance are Talli Jackson (Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company), Lloyd Mayor (Martha Graham Dance Company), Xiaochuan Xie (Martha Graham Dance Company), and Calvin Royal III (American Ballet Theatre.)

One recipient from each category will be chosen and the winners announced on Monday, January 6 2014 at 3:00 pm at The Walter Reade Theatre, Lincoln Center. All finalists will receive a cash prize, with the winners in each category receiving an award of $5,000 furnished by the Clive Barnes Foundation.

This year's Theatre Award will be presented by Susan Stroman, and this year's Dance Award will be presented by Wendy Whelan. Past presenters have included Frederic Franklin CBE, Cherry Jones, Nina Arianda (2010 Clive Barnes Award winner, 2012 Tony Award Winner for Venus in Fur), Paloma Herrera and Maya Johansen Barnes. Previous winners are Nina Arianda (2010, Venus in Fur), Chase Finlay (2010, New York City Ballet), MJ Rodriquez (2011, RENT), Isabella Boylston (2011, American Ballet Theater), Rob McClure (Chaplin), and Lauren Lovette (New York City Ballet.)

The Clive Barnes Foundation was formed in 2009 by Valerie Taylor Barnes, former soloist with The Royal Ballet, to create Annual Awards giving recognition, encouragement, and financial support to two talented young professionals and thus, honoring the memory of the immense body of critical work and warm personal generosity of Clive Barnes. Throughout his professional life, Clive Barnes was caring and generous to his colleagues and friends; always ready to advise and listen. After his death, many condolence letters spoke of his generosity and practical help, especially to young people.

The Awards will be given at the end of each year, judged by a panel of experts in each field.

The Selection Committee for the Clive Barnes Award includes Siobhan Burns, Diana Byer, Barbara Hoffman, Arthur Mitchell, Patrick Pacheco, James Sutton, Valerie Taylor-Barnes, Damian Woetzel, and Craig Wright.

Joining the Clive Barnes Foundation Board of Directors this year is Paloma Herrera, famed principal dancer from the American Ballet Theatre. She will serve alongside the existing Board of Directors, which includes Valerie Taylor Barnes,Brenda Anderson, Charles Askegard,William Ausman, Jennifer Dunning, Jacques le Sourd,Arthur Mitchell, Michael Riedel, Spring Sirkin, Damian Woetzel, and Craig Wright.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos