A Brief History of the Australian Line Dance Awards

The Australian Line Dance Awards commenced in 2002 with three voting categories on offer: Australian Dance of the Year, International Dance of the Year and Website of the Year.

As the Line Dance scene evolved both in Australia and internationally, it underwent significant growth, with an increasing variety of dance levels, styles, and genres added to dancefloors across the world. Alongside this expansion, the number of choreographers, instructors, and personalities who shaped and contributed to this ever-changing dance scene also grew and diversified. This dynamic shift was mirrored in the Australian Line Dance Awards, which adapted by introducing new categories to reflect the changing landscape of the dance community.

The introduction of new categories allowed the awards to celebrate not only exceptional choreography and the teachers/instructors who bring these dances to life for us, but also acknowledge those who have contributed to the growth of our line dance culture via their support and promotion of our great sport.

In 2011, Australian Line Dancer (ALD) took over the prestigious role of presenting the Australian Line Dance Awards as part of the renowned Mayworth Country Dance Festival. This marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the awards, enhancing the recognition of achievements within the Australian and international line dance communities. The partnership between ALD and the Mayworth Festival helped to further elevate the event's profile, solidifying its place as a key highlight in the annual dance calendar.

Present Day

Now, as we look forward to 2025, the anticipation builds for another celebration of the vibrant culture of line dancing. This year, once again, the awards will honour not only local talent but also international figures who have contributed to the art of line dancing. The awards will continue to recognize the achievements of choreographers, instructors, dancers, and other key figures who have helped shape the global line dance scene.

In 2025, the celebration will remain unique, offering a special platform to acknowledge the diversity and growth of the line dance world, while bringing together a community that values both tradition and innovation. This ongoing commitment to recognizing excellence ensures that the Australian Line Dance Awards continue to serve as an important and meaningful occasion for dancers and contributors worldwide.

The Australian Line Dance Awards will have a new format for 2025, with voting occurring in two separate stages:

· Stage 1, shortlisting of finalists – open voting

o Everyone has one vote per category per month

o Voting will remain open until the end of August 2025

o Finalists for each category will be collated and posted here on the ALD website

· Stage 2, voting for award winners – open to current ALD members only

o ALD members (current) have one vote per category

o Voting will remain open until the end of September 2025

o Award winners will be collated and ALD Awards for 2025 presented 1st November on the Gold Coast

How do I vote?

· Voting will occur here on the ALD website

· Voting platform will be monitored to ensure that individuals only vote once for each nominated category per month in the first round

· Once finalists are decided the voting platform will be reset to reflect these finalists

· From this point on, only current ALD members will be able to vote, once per category, to decide the award winners in each division

· The decision to allow voting once for finalists, and once for award winners ensures that if your nominee for finalist doesn’t make the cut, that your vote isn’t wasted, instead you are able to vote again for the finalist of your choice

Why do I need to be a member to vote for the ultimate award winners?

At Australian Line Dancer (ALD), we are committed to ensuring that every member has the opportunity for their vote to be recognised and carry the same weight as any other vote. We firmly believe that the Australian Line Dance Awards should be a true reflection of the views and preferences of the community we represent. By making sure every vote counts equally, we can ensure that the awards accurately highlight the talent, dedication, and contributions of those who have made a lasting impact in the world of line dancing.

We understand that each member’s voice is valuable, and by empowering all members to have an equal say in the awards process, we uphold the integrity of the event. This approach not only celebrates the achievements of individuals across various levels of the dance community but also strengthens the sense of connection and shared passion among dancers, choreographers, instructors, and supporters alike.

Our aim is for the awards to be truly inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the diverse opinions and experiences within the line dance world. As we move towards 2025, we remain dedicated to ensuring that the Australian Line Dance Awards serve as a meaningful and authentic celebration of our vibrant community

How can I become a member?

Click the button below!

Or send us an email - info@australianlinedancer.com.au

Click Here to Become A Member

Voting Categories

Absolute Beginner/Beginner/Improver Dance of the Year

Absolute Beginner dances generally contain a short sequence of easy steps such as touches, sways, heel digs, kicks, stomps plus easy travelling steps forwards, backwards and sideways. At this level choreography should be without syncopations, tags or restarts and should have a number of repeated steps/movements to allow dancers to gain confidence with simple weight and direction changes.

Beginner level dances build upon the skills learnt in the AB level. Dances may also now include different rhythms like Waltz or Cha Cha and show how different steps flow into another.

Improver level dances introduce a variety of step patterns, including those with syncopation like steps (coaster, mambo, sailor), less repetition and simple turns, Dances can be done to music of varying rhythms and tempos that reflect different timing and styling. Dances can also begin to introduce students to tags and restarts.

Intermediate Dance of the Year

Intermediate level dances feature a variety of step combinations and can include pauses, syncopations, body movements, timing variations and styling options. Dances can contain numerous turns and a greater number of counts per pattern and may be phrased to the music containing tags and restarts.

Advanced Dance of the Year

Advanced level dances contain the full spectrum of step patterns in any combination and embrace all tempos and rhythms. Dances at this level can be of any number of counts and feature a range of turns and direction changes along with a host of step patterns, all of which will require good technique and co-ordination.

International Dance of the Year

International Dance of the Year is awarded to a dance choreographed by an instructor/s not from/based in Australia. Where a dance is choreographed by three or more individual choreographers, an Australian choreographer can be included in this section, however the majority of choreographers are required to be international.

International Choreographer of the Year

International Choreographer of the Year is awarded to a choreographer not from/based in Australia.

Australian Choreographer of the Year

Australian Choreographer of the Year is awarded to a choreographer from/based in Australia.

Australian Instructor of the Year

Australian Instructor of the Year is awarded to an instructor based in Australia.

Social Media Promoter of the Year

Social Media Promoter of the Year is presented to an individual/group whose creativity, dedication, and vision has made an outstanding impact in the digital space. Their social media presence has promoted Line Dancing within our community and harnessed the power of social media to build connections and drive meaningful engagement.

Rising Star of the Year

Rising Star Award is presented to an individual who has not only shown exceptional promise but has also made an indelible mark in the world of line dancing. This individual has demonstrated a unique combination of vision, dedication, and passion that has inspired all of us who have had the privilege of witnessing their journey.

Unsung Hero of the Year

Unsung Hero Award recognises an individual who has positively supported the line dance community from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.

Australian Line Dancer of the Year

Australian Line Dancer of The Year recognises an individual who has truly exemplified excellence, passion, and dedication in the world of line dancing. The recipient of this prestigious award has shown remarkable commitment to their craft and has become a role model for all who are lucky enough to experience their energy and enthusiasm. Their dedication and spirit have helped shape the future of line dancing in Australia and their ability to connect with others—encouraging dancers of all levels, creates an inclusive and welcoming environment, while promoting the joy that line dancing brings.

(Finalists shortlisted via open voting process however award winner voted on by Australian Line Dancer Committee members only).

Floor of Fame Inductee

Floor Of Fame is awarded to exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, passion, and commitment to the line dance industry within Australia. These individuals have not only contributed to the growth and success of line dancing but have also shaped its future with their vision, talent, and leadership. Inductees join an elite group reserved for those who have made significant and lasting contributions to the art of line dancing. Their hard work, perseverance, and influence within the line dance community have earned them a place in this distinguished circle. Through their years of dedication—whether as instructors, choreographers, competitors, or ambassadors of the dance—they have gone above and beyond in elevating the line dance culture across Australia. Their efforts have inspired countless dancers, fostered new relationships, and ensured that the spirit of line dancing continues to thrive and evolve. This award celebrates not only the achievements of these incredible individuals but also the legacy they are building for future generations of dancers. Their commitment to the craft, their role in nurturing a vibrant community, and their passion for the art form are what truly set them apart as icons within the line dance world.

(Award winner/s voted on by past Floor of Fame inductees only).