An enormous thank you to everyone who attended the Farewell Event for Ruth Osborne OAM on Saturday 26 October 2024 at Gorman Arts Centre.
It was an incredible afternoon, with heartfelt performances, speeches and celebrations. We welcomed 150 guests – some with connections to Ruth spanning decades. Attendees included QL2 dancers and families past and present, QL2 dance artists, teachers, sponsors, staff and Board members, as well as many members of the incredible Canberra dance industry – artists, educators, advocates, and supporters.
15 young QL2 dancers brought even more beauty to the green grass, blue sky and spring sunshine of the Gorman courtyard with inspiring performances. Thank you, Jahna, Jemma, Coral, Orlando, Lennox, Una, Sylvie, Oliver, Alex, Maya, Julia, Calypso, Sam, Akira and Arshiya.
Speakers included QL2 Dance Patron Julie Dyson AM, alum Daniel Riley – Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, Board Chair Richard Refshauge and current Artistic Director Alice Lee Holland – before Ruth shared her own words.
Sincere gratitude to the Board of QL2 Dance for supporting the festivities, QL2 staff for producing this beautiful event and Gorman Arts Centre for hosting.
Photos: Olivia Wikner, O&J Photography
Ruth, Quantum Leap and QL2 Dance have shaped the course for my entire life. Over two decades ago at Ruth’s insistence I joined the cast of the original Industrial Hardware at the Street Theatre. In that moment a seed was planted. that seed would eventually blossom into a fruitful international career as a dancer and choreographer; I became a QL2 board member; QL2 was where I would meet my future wife, a Quantum Leaper herself; and I would become a life-long advocate for the power of youth dance. I am incredibly proud to be a living example of Ruth’s vision for young people and the positive and meaningful impact that dance can have on their lives.
Dean Cross
Through my long involvement with QL2 Dance as former head of the Cultural Facilities Corporation, I have had the privilege to work with Ruth and the opportunity to observe her outstanding contribution to youth dance, not only in Canberra but also nationally and internationally. Ruth will be remembered for her passion and artistic vision, her generosity, and her ability to inspire and mentor others. She leaves a remarkable legacy and a firm foundation for others to follow - they are indeed "standing - or perhaps dancing! - on the shoulders of a giant." Ruth, my warm congratulations on all you have achieved, and my best wishes for the next stage of your journey in life.
Harriet Elvin
Your leadership and advocacy, matched with a depth of teaching and choreographic ability, your passion for mentorship and the development of young people is a unique combination and it is also a powerful agent for everyone involved – to be their best. The results of your work can be seen across the dance profession in Australia and overseas, and perhaps more significantly, there are generations of new dance audiences and many new parents, who will ensure dance is part of their children’s lives because of their engagement with Quantum Leap...
Mark Gordon
When I started at QL2 in 2017, Ruth introduced me to a whole new side of dance. Her knowledge and mentorship helped me to create and participate in meaningful works that tackle real world issues, and I am forever grateful for the six years I spent learning from her, directly and through the people she taught in the past. Thank you Ruth, for allowing me to express myself through dance and for giving me a new voice.
Sarah Long
