New Breed is presented on the land of the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. Carriageworks, Sydney Dance Company and The Balnaves Foundation acknowledge the Gadigal and pay respect to Elders past and present.
Welcome
Welcome to New Breed 2024, the 11th edition of this vital program showcasing the next generation of choreographic voices.
It’s wonderful to be back at Carriageworks rounding off an incredible year. From performing my new full-length work momenta to our double bill Twofold, presented in theatres around Australia, Europe and the United States, 2024 has been a remarkable year.
We are thrilled to be wrapping up the year by celebrating and presenting emerging Australian choreographers through New Breed.
Sydney Dance Company is deeply committed to supporting the contemporary dance sector, fostering a space for the next generation of Australian choreographic talent.
Pushing boundaries is the very essence of New Breed. What began as a simple idea between myself and the late Neil Balnaves AO, one of the arts’ most passionate supporters, has become a legacy that will carry on for generations to come.
New Breed would not be what it is without The Balnaves Foundation, our Principal Partner. They have been instrumental in New Breed’s success since its inception in 2014. We thank them for their unwavering support in bringing artists and audiences together.
In 2024 our choreographers have risen to the challenge, breaking new ground with their creativity and artistry as dance makers alongside our talented technical and creative team. I extend my heartfelt congratulations
to Dean Elliott, Piran Scott, Siobhan McKenna and Amber McCartney for their incredible works – each exploring such interesting and diverse themes. What you witness here proves that Australian contemporary dance has a very bright future.
Our partnership with Carriageworks for New Breed is longstanding and greatly treasured. This is an iconic and inspiring hub for choreographers, dancers, designers and audiences alike. This collaboration has allowed New Breed to thrive and I’d like to thank the Carriageworks team, led by Fergus Linehan, for their ongoing support to this very unique initiative.
I would also like to thank and acknowledge the support of the Federal Government through Creative Australia and the NSW Government through Create NSW for their ongoing commitment to Sydney Dance Company.
And to our wonderful audiences and Sydney Dance Company family – thank you for your ongoing support and for allowing us to continue sharing memorable dance experiences.
We look forward to seeing you in 2025 for another year at the forefront of contemporary dance.
I hope you enjoy New Breed 2024.
Rafael Bonachela Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company
Welcome
New Breed is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year for all here at Carriageworks. The commitment that Sydney Dance Company and The Balnaves Foundation have shown to nurturing the next generation of dance makers is exemplary and we are hugely proud to be home to this most joyful and inspiring program.
We wish Amber McCartney, Dean Elliott, Piran Scott and Siobhan McKenna every success.
Fergus Linehan CEO Carriageworks
It is always exciting when another year of New Breed comes to Carriageworks. Since 2014, 43 choreographers have brought their unique vision to the New Breed stage, with many continuing to elevate their practice and creativity in the years that follow.
When our founder Neil Balnaves AO and Rafael began the journey of New Breed over ten years ago, it was with a shared love of dance and a passion for supporting emerging creative artists. The Balnaves Foundation is proud to continue our support for the next generation of dancemakers through New Breed.
The Foundation believes that supporting programs for emerging artists is essential and fostering the talents of the next generation is vital to the culture of Australia. Congratulations to Amber, Dean, Piran and Siobhan on their exciting New Breed premieres which I’m sure will delight and inspire us all.
Victoria Balnaves Trustee, The Balnaves Foundation
Photo by: Pedro Greig
Photo by: Pedro Greig
Company Dancers
Coco
Content advice:
Rehearsal Director Richard
Rehearsal Associate Charmene
Breath
‘It’s funny, but you never really think much about breathing. Until it’s all you ever think about.’
(Tim Winton, Breath)
Breath… always constant, although ever changing. Just like the ocean, it can be both deep and shallow, an easy flowing motion or a violent maelstrom. It is bestowed upon us and then suddenly taken away. Breath is so profound and yet so ordinary, it is the common thread that links us all but is also wholly personal, it is our life and our story, it is balance. This work explores the journey we all take: the limits of our discoveries, the trauma and the beauty, our connection to the ocean and the power of breath in our everyday human experience.
Choreography
Piran Scott
Music Ocean, John Butler
Sound Editing
Lighting Design
Costume Design
Travis Hair
Alexander Berlage
Aleisa Jelbart
FULL IN/HALF OUT
FULL IN/HALF OUT is an exploration of chasing perfections. It is a playful nod to athleticism’s intersection with artistry in the dance form; to precision, tenacity and the delicate interplay of elegance and power. Navigating the tension of working as a team whilst yearning for individual recognition, the performers find unity amongst rivalry, and rivalry amidst unity, as they keep one eye on their fellow athletes and the other on the prize.
A heartfelt thank you to the dancers involved in this process; Timmy Blankenship, Morgan Hurrell, Ngaere Jenkins, Sophie Jones, Emily Seymour, Mia Thompson and Chloe Young for your invaluable contributions, both on stage and in the studio.
A special thank you to Connor McMahon for the creation of the incredible music that brought this work to life and Lauren Brincat for her creative guidance.
Choreography
Dean Elliott in collaboration with the dancers
Composition Connor McMahon
Lighting Design Alexander Berlage
Costume Design Aleisa Jelbart
Photo By: Pedro Greig
Say it again
Say it again explores the dynamic rhythms and repetitions within communication and the act of listening. Similar to dancing, a conversation ebbs and flows in a mix of rhythm, pulse, posture and expression. The work takes inspiration from these aspects of communication and highlights the cyclical nature of interaction—the pauses and repetitions, in spoken language and movement. In this way, the piece celebrates the ongoing, reciprocal dance that is communication and brings the colloquial into the theatre.
A massive thank you to all the dancers for their amazing contribution to this work and to Lena Douglas for your incredible creative input and support on this journey. Thank you to Alex and Aleisa for your wonderful designs and to Sydney Dance Company for the invitation to make this work and for all their support during the process. Lastly, a big thank you to my wonderful family and friends for constantly supporting all my artistic pursuits.
Choreography
Sound Advice
Text
Lighting Design
Costume Design
Siobhan McKenna in collaboration with the dancers
Lena Douglas
Siobhan McKenna in collaboration with the dancers
Alexander Berlage
Aleisa Jelbart
“Terror
has no shape” - The Blob (1988)
Special thanks to the dancers for their generous contributions to this work: Coco, Emily, Luke, Naiara, Piran, Ryan, Tayla and Timmy. Thank you Sydney Dance Company, The Balnaves Foundation, Carriageworks, Aleisa, Annie, Tim, Georgia, Charmene, Richard, Alisdair, Robert, Robbie, Sam and Jenni.
Choreography
Music and Sound Design
Violin (recorded)
Lighting Design
Costume Concept Design
Amber McCartney in collaboration with the dancers.
Alisdair Macindoe, Robert Downie
Robert Macindoe
Alexander Berlage
Amber McCartney
Costume Realisation Aleisa Jelbart
New Breed Partners
SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY
Led by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Sydney Dance Company is one of the world’s strongest forces in contemporary dance. Our acclaimed group of 17 dancers present new works each year by Bonachela and renowned choreographers, designers, composers and musicians. Beyond the practice and performance of our Ensemble, Sydney Dance Company has a broad reach that allows thousands each year to connect with the grace, strength and creativity within all of us. We have the largest public dance class program in Australia and curriculum-aligned training and education programs for primary and secondary students, pre-professional dancers and university graduates.
THE BALNAVES FOUNDATION
The Balnaves Foundation is a private philanthropic organisation established in 2006 by Neil Balnaves AO. The Foundation provides support to charitable organisations that aim to create a better Australia through education, medicine and the arts with a focus on young people, social disadvantage and Indigenous Australia.
CARRIAGEWORKS
Carriageworks is one of Australia’s most significant creative industry hubs, renowned for its dynamic cultural events, performances, and exhibitions. Housed in a historic railway workshop in Sydney, Carriageworks offers a vibrant platform for contemporary art, theatre, music, dance and more, collaborating with leading local and international artists to foster innovation and creativity in its distinctive industrial setting.
Photo by: Pedro Greig
Board and Staff
Board of Directors
Emma-Jane Newton (Chair)
Prof Larissa Behrendt AO
Jillian Broadbent AC
Michael Dagostino
David Friedlander
Emma Gray
Andrew Hagger
Alexa Haslingden
Mark Hassell
Sandra McCullagh
Paris Neilson
Bianca Spender
International Patron
Dame Darcey Bussell DBE
Ambassadors’ Council
Sarah Myer (Chair), Victoria Balnaves, Pam Bartlett, Judy Crawford, Jaycen Fletcher, Mandy Foley, Bradford Gorman, The Hon. Don Harwin, Samuel Joyce, Alexandra Knights, Skye Leckie OAM, Amelia Liveris, Jules Maxwell, Andrew Muston, Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM, Peter Reeve, Ruth Ritchie, Keinwen Shephard, Stephen Thatcher, Bee Wood, Adam Worling, Susan Wynne, Mary Zuber.
Dance Noir Committee
Mandy Foley (Co-Chair), Peter Reeve (Co-Chair), Fuzz Ali, Sally Burleigh, Jane Clifford, Debbie Coffey, Irene Deutsch, Georgie Fergusson, Alexa Haslingden, Sarah Myer, Paris Neilson, Mim Stacey, Stephen Thatcher and Michelle Walsh.
Management
Artistic Director
Rafael Bonachela
Executive Director
Lou Oppenheim
Executive Assistant
Amy Burrows
Director Programming
Brendan O’Connell
Senior Producer
Dominic Chang
Associate Producer - Ensemble
Kerry Thampapillai
Associate Producer - Wharf
Michael Sieders
Chief Financial Officer
Sean Radcliffe
Accountant
Melissa Sim
Payroll Assistant
Carina Mision
Director Training and Education
Polly Brett
Head of Open Programs & Learning
Samantha Dashwood
Dance Class Manager
Ramon Doringo
Learning Manager
Justine Turner
Learning Coordinator
Jacqueline Cooper
Learning Administrator
Eugenie English
Head of Training
Linda Gamblin
Pre-Professional Year Course Coordinator
Tobiah Booth-Remmers
Training Associate
Juliette Barton
Learning Associate
Lexy Panetta
Conditioning Studio Manager
Felicity McGee
Customer Experience and Venue Manager
Sue Nielsen
Customer Service Assistant
Mardi Downing
Director Philanthropy and Partnerships
Fiona Crockett
Head of Philanthropy
Katharine Seymour
Philanthropy Manager
Lachlan Bell
Trusts and Foundations Manager
Madeleine White (parental leave)
Philanthropy Coordinator
Bianca Mulet
Partnerships and Events Coordinator
Jasmine Cook
Director Market Development
Olivia Blackburn
Head of CRM and Business Intelligence
Thida Kyaw
Ticketing Specialist
John Calvi
Marketing Manager
Natalie Zagaglia
Marketing
Vivienne Crowle
Gabriella
Marketing Assistant Rohan Furnell
Head
Natalia Carozzi
Resident Multimedia Artist
Pedro Greig
Technical Director
Guy Harding
Technical Coordinator
Tony McCoy
Company and Resident Stage Manager
Simon Turner
Head of Wardrobe Annie Robinson
Costumiers
Nicole Artsetos Tim Corne
Costume Design Assistant
Georgia Mackie
Production Technician
Jackson Edwards
Shane Placentino
Sound Operator
Cameron Smith
The Company
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Company Teachers
Balnaves Foundation Artist in Residence
Head Physiotherapist
Ashlea-Mary
@sydneydanceco
Sports
Carriageworks Staff
Board
Michael Gonski (Chair)
Geoff Ainsworth AM
Andrew Maiden
Tony Nimac
Gitanjali Bhalla
Cameron Honey
Robi Stanton
Laura Berry
Jake Thomson
CEO
Fergus Linehan
General Manager
Francisca Peña
Executive Assistant
Nicole Espinoza
Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences
Miranda Cookman
Director, Venue Partnerships
Andrew Demetriou
Director of Production
Kri Leitner
Head or Programming
Adrian Burnett
Senior Curator, Visual Arts
Aarna Fitzgerald Hanley
Senior Executive Producer
Claire Hicks
Artist and Community
Liaison (First Nations)
Katie Leslie
Producer, Programs
Susan Bui
Producer, Performance
Michelle Cao
Producer, Performance
Priyanka Martin
Producer, Solid Ground
Felix May
Co-producer, Solid Ground
Elaine Crombie
Education Assistant, Solid Ground
Renea Baker
Head of Marketing and Communications
Electra Foley
Ticketing & CRM Manager
Ollie Lee
Ticketing Coordinator
Kaylee Rankin
Communications Manager
Marissa Giannone
Digital Marketing Manager
Georgina Ryke
Marketing Assistant
Tuneah Plumb
Venue Partnerships
Account Managers
Emma Carson
Jacqueline De La Rosa Padilla
Hannah Spencer
Head of Development
Camilla Chapman
Philanthropy and Sponsorships Manager
Cameron Brown
Production Assistant
Courtney Giles
Head of People and Culture
Vicky Hopper
Head of Safety and Compliance
Jack Audas Preston
Facilities Manager
William Brownley
Facilities Assistant
Rodrigo Arriaza
Facilities Maintenance Assistant
Grant Richards
Acknowledgements
The Balnaves Foundation is the New Breed Principal Partner.
Carriageworks partners with Sydney Dance Company to present New Breed through the ongoing support of the NSW Government through Create NSW and the Australian Government through Creative Australia.
Photo by: Pedro Greig
Photo: Pedro Greig