THE NANCE's Jonny Orsini and and Martha Graham's Lloyd Mayor Win 4th Annual Clive Barnes Awards

The winners of the 4th Annual Clive Barnes Award were announced Monday, January 6 at The Walter Reade Theatre, Lincoln Centre. This year's Theatre Award, presented by Susan Stroman was given to Jonny Orsini for his performance in The Nance. This year's Dance Award, presented by Wendy Whelan, was given to Lloyd Mayor of Martha Graham Dance Company.

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 Clive Barnes Award are given at the end of each year, judged by a panel of experts in each field. 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 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.

In addition to Mr. Orsini, this years' nominees for theatre included Aaron Clifton Moten for his performance in The Flick, Phillipa Soo for her performance in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, and Amber Iman for her performance in Soul Doctor.

In addition to Mr. Mayor, this year's nominees for dance included Talli Jackson (Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company), Xiaochuan Xie (Martha Graham Dance Company), and Calvin Royal III (American Ballet Theatre.)

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.

Past presenters of the Clive Barnes Award 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.

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.