With dedication, great talent and the support of admiring fans, Jake Mangakahia has been awarded the 2017 Telstra Ballet People's Choice Award at a special presentation in Sydney, Australia.
Six other dancers were also competing for the coveted award. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Jake responded to the award by saying, "The other nominees were so amazing and hard working and I feel like anyone who would have received the award was deserving of it."
Jake, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spent two years serving a mission in 2014 and was able to return to The Australian Ballet in 2016.
For more information about Jake Mangakahia see The Sydney Morning Herald and mormonnewsroom.org.au.