What
Queensland dancer Edison Manuel was able to pursue his professional dance career after being awarded an annual scholarship named in honour of domestic violence victim Allison Baden-Clay.
Edison Manuel, the 2019 recipient of Queensland Ballet’s Allison Baden-Clay Scholarship, is now embarking on a promising dance career with Queensland Ballet.
Edison participated in the Young Artist Tour to London in 2022 and his repertoire highlights include the Queensland Ballet Academy Gala, Romeo & Juliet, Aspire and performances of Bespoke.
His accolades include winning the Charles Lisner Award for 2020, an award that honours Queensland Ballet's founder, and is enabled by the Queensland Ballet Friends.
Born in Brisbane, Edison began dancing at the age of seven and started his professional training at 12 with the Queensland Ballet Academy.
“After receiving the scholarship, my professional ballet training at Queensland Ballet Academy flourished and I am forever grateful for the chance to continue to develop as an artist, athlete, and person,” Edi said.
“The ability to train at the Queensland Ballet Academy, whilst living away from home and supporting myself would not have been possible without the Allison Baden-Clay Scholarship.
The Allison Baden-Clay Scholarship, funded through the Queensland Government, pays tribute to Allison’s love of dance, and covers the cost of fees to the value of $5,000 to complete Level 1 at the Queensland Ballet Academy.
Key stats
Edison was one of three Scholarship recipients between 2018 and 2020, alongside Tajuddin (Taji) Hennessy (2018) and Indika Ashton (2020).
Arts Queensland investment
Arts Queensland, in partnership with Department of Education, contributed $5,000 annually to the Allison Baden-Clay Scholarship from 2018–20.
In 2021 and 2022, the scholarship was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Queensland Government is continuing to offer the Allison Baden-Clay Scholarship subsidising a student’s course fees to the value of $5,000 each year over three years from 2023-2025.
Outcomes
- Professional development and career pathways: Whilst training with the Academy, Edison had many valuable performance opportunities.
- Sharing our stories and celebrating our storytellers: Edison performed as the lead male in Intimate Dialogues, a role which allowed him to show vulnerability and emotion on stage whilst telling a story.
Learnings and reflections
Being a part of the creative process for such a young dancer was a memorable and inspiring experience.
“I’m starting to take ownership of my career and the corrections I need to work on,” Edison says. “I’m also playing with different styles and learning what works for my body. I enjoy the creative process and love being choreographed on and seeing all the elements of a production come together for an audience to enjoy.”
“The kindness and generosity of the foundation has offered me so many opportunities and I am forever grateful. I hope to carry the kindness throughout my life,” Edi said.
Tips for others
For those who wish to take the same path, Edison’s advice is to listen to everyone, absorb what they’re saying and take on all their advice, care and love.
What next
Edison’s goal for the future is to continue to involve people in our art form and deliver performances that make people think and feel.
“Ultimately, my goal is to transcend my technique in order to express.” Edi said.
This case study was first published 31 Aug 2022.