2023 Impact Report

Sydney Dance Company is based in Walsh Bay Sydney. Our studios are situated on the lands and over the waters of the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters and thank them for protecting this coastline and its ecosystems since time immemorial. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people.

About Us

Dance changes you. More than simply witnessing something beautiful, or engaging with culture, to experience dance is to be positively altered.

From performances at the Joyce Theatre in New York and Shanghai Grand Centre, to Alice Springs in the Central Desert and the Sydney Opera House on the Harbour Foreshore, Sydney Dance Company has proved that there are no passive observers in a contemporary dance audience.

The reward of truly moving audiences, and the raw pride of sharing Australian art with the world has driven our Ensemble of 17 dancers, led by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, to become one of the world’s strongest forces in contemporary dance. Alongside Bonachela’s original works, our programs have featured guest choreographers like Jacopo Godani, Melanie Lane, Antony Hamilton, Alexander Ekman, Gideon Obarzanek, Marina Mascarell, Gabrielle Nankivell and Cheng Tsung-lung, as well as collaborations with Sydney Festival, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium of Music Composing Women, Bryce Dessner, Nick Wales, 48nord and the late Ezio Bosso.

Sydney Dance Company has a broad community beyond the practice and performance of our lead dancers. We believe in the universality of dance, and with the largest public dance class program in Australia, people can connect with the grace, strength and creativity that lives within all of us.

Our nationwide education program offers a strategic curriculum targeting primary and secondary students through to career focused study for pre-professional dancers and university graduates.

Chair’s Report

I’m honoured to be addressing you for the first time as the Chair of the Sydney Dance Company Board. I would like to thank and acknowledge the leadership of former Chair Brett Clegg, navigating through the renewal of our Walsh Bay Arts Precinct home and the unprecedented pandemic period. We look forward to him remaining a vital part of the Sydney Dance Company as our inaugural Visionary Patron.

2023 has been an exciting year for Sydney Dance Company and our broader arts community. Through the launch of foundational policies, we have seen both federal and state governments showing their engagement and commitment to the sector, and broader creative industries.

The launch of the federal National Cultural Policy, Revive, early in the year, laid the groundwork for a new approach to supporting artists and creators. The focus on cultivating and growing our creative exports in international markets is aligned to Sydney Dance Company’s existing activities, and highlights the strategic benefits for cultural exchange.

The launch of the NSW government’s Creative Communities policy in December emphasises the crucial role of creative industries in NSW, particularly in relation to a whole of government approach in valuing and supporting the creative industries.

Sydney Dance Company looks forward to working with all levels of Government in the realisation of the ambitions outlined in these policies.

For Sydney Dance Company, 2023 has seen the whole organisation and activities coming back at its full expression after the previous challenging years. We have also faced challenges on the cost side as our activities have not been immune to high inflation, and not all our revenue sources have grown to offset these pressures.

It’s been amazing to observe the Ensemble touring internationally and nationally, see the studios flourishing with students of all ages, and witness amazing collaborations and partnerships with a wide variety of organisations and individuals come to life. It’s been very humbling for me to see the connection to community, taking contemporary dance to schools across the country, from Alice Springs to Western Sydney. Facilitating access to the arts for communities in this vast country is something that truly touches my heart.

Thank you to all Board members for their ongoing commitment, leadership and guidance to Sydney Dance Company. I particularly acknowledge and thank Catriona Mordant AM for her tenure on the

Board. We look forward to seeing her frequently as we tour across the world. Thank you to Emma Gray for taking on the role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Welcome to Bianca Spender, who joined the Board in February, after a long association with the Company.

During 2023 we dedicated time to accept the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and support a First Nations Voice to Parliament in the Australian Constitution.

Beyond the result of the referendum, we continue walking alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and, in the spirit of reconciliation, we intend to continue fostering conversations built on respect, courage and optimism.

I feel so privileged to be part of the Sydney Dance Company family. I am looking forward to continuing to build on the strong track record of collaboration and partnership, to commission and present new diverse work, touring nationally and internationally, and delivering education and training that fosters and invests in a vibrant contemporary dance community.

Emma-Jane Newton Chair

Executive Director’s Report

If I had to summarise 2023 in one word it would be connection. It’s been amazing to see our Ensemble touring internationally and offering three amazing seasons in Sydney, working with a variety of collaborators - established and emerging, Australian and international. Witnessing our open classes program at full capacity, and a group of aspiring professional dancers dedicated full time to their Pre-Professional Year studies at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct has been inspiring. Seeing the ongoing commitment to amplifying voices in contemporary dance and the variety of activities and communities we reach brings so much energy and motivation!

In 2023 we continued bringing world class dance experiences to communities across Australia. Touring confirms the Company’s commitment to our Australian audiences as we danced our way from New South Wales to South Australia, through to Victoria, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

The Australian Federal Government’s support for Sydney Dance Company through Creative Australia continues to enrich the cultural life of Australians.

The NSW government has also been a very important supporter of the Arts over this time. I would like to thank the NSW government through Create NSW for our beautifully renewed home at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, underpinning all our creative and rehearsal activities together with our Open Classes and Advanced Training programs.

Our robust Classes, Training and Education offerings continue to grow. After becoming a Registered Training Organisation in 2022, we created an offering of accredited training courses targeted at dance teachers, early career choreographers and recent full-time graduates. We plan to expand these offerings during 2024.

Our home at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct doesn’t only support Sydney Dance Company activities. Since we came back after the redevelopment, there’s been a strong focus on opening the doors to other artists and organisations that could benefit from using this wonderful space.

Hosting World Pride and Sydney Fringe Festival activities was a highlight. Having a second season of INDance, an independent company season supported by the Neilson Foundation, offered a unique opportunity for the independent dance sector to have their work presented in a program that explores diversity and innovation in contemporary dance.

This year we have put a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion, offering audio described performances, and our first ever relaxed performance where a group of school students experienced Somos in an inclusive way.

I would like to thank all our donors and partners. We truly wouldn’t be able to do it without you. Their support allows us not only to present the best of contemporary dance in Australia, but also to reach out to communities to share the power of arts.

I want to especially thank our major partners Cartier and LG signature for their support.

My sincere thanks and appreciation go to all the Sydney Dance Company family: donors, Board, staff, dancers, and audiences. Each individual that connects with Sydney Dance Company is part of this family and plays an essential role in what we have achieved in 2023.

Lou Oppenheim Executive Director

Artistic Director’s Report

What a year! I have been so inspired by the variety of contemporary dance expressions throughout the year. It will make it one that will be difficult to forget.

After previous challenging years, we wanted to start 2023 with an uplifting season and that’s how Ascent came about. One of the things I enjoy the most about my work is the possibility of commissioning artists that I know will create amazing works for the Company and our audiences. Commissioning internationally renowned choreographer Marina Mascarell for her first ever work in Australia has been a dream come true.

After its premiere at the Canberra Theatre Centre, Ascent was part of the programming of the 50th anniversary of Sydney Opera House. What a privilege to be part of this celebration, and for me, to present a work in this iconic venue for the first time.

Close to my heart, the second season in Sydney with Somos was very special. The opportunity to fully bring my culture into a work, in a very intimate space, and in our own home, was simply fantastic and an unforgettable experience.

Sydney Dance Company is proud to continue to amplify the work of Australia’s best creatives through our collaborations, partnerships, and commissions. It’s always inspiring to work with outstanding Australian creators like Lauren Brincat, Damien Cooper, Leah Giblin, Aleisa Jelbart, Kelsey Lee and Nick Wales.

Sydney Dance Company plays an essential role in representing Australian performing arts in the world and expanding the outreach of contemporary dance in community. That was achieved through an amazing international tour where we performed in four cities in Europe. Our national tour took us to 15 locations across six states and territories. Through this national tour, we inspired and engaged with our younger audiences through a series of creative workshops and outreach activities in each location we visited.

2023 was a year of anniversaries. We celebrated the tenth consecutive season of New Breed thanks to the inspirational support of The Balnaves Foundation and Carriageworks. It’s an honour for us to support the next generation of Australian talent through this program.

We also celebrated ten years of our Pre-Professional Year Program. This amazing full-time program has seen hundreds of young dancers develop their skills and graduate into incredible emerging artists. Alumni of the program have gained employment with contemporary dance

companies, productions and independent directors and choreographers, in Australia and around the world. I’m very proud to provide opportunities and a great foundation for these artists to venture into their successful careers.

It’s humbling to see Sydney Dance Company as a contemporary dance powerhouse, expanding opportunities for independent artists and supporting emerging dance makers. This is my artistic vision coming to life.

I love being part of the curation process to showcase the work of independent voices at our Walsh Bay Arts Precinct through INDance. I know initiatives like this create positive impact, and I’m very proud to play a role in strengthening our local artistic community.

I want to especially thank the dancers. Exploring and discovering new ways of movement with them every day is my main source of inspiration. I’m very grateful for their trust, commitment and hard work.

Rafael Bonachela Artistic Director

performances 120

13

76% creatives Contributing To Our Cultural Landscape Investing In The Creative Industries

4 15

Work provided for world premieres countries cities across six states and territories in Australia International tour to National tour to

210 people

24% administrators

$6,910,847

invested in creative and artistic staff salaries, employing arts administrators, dance educators, and production staff through education programs and activities, scholarships and support for the broader dance sector by commissioning independent creatives.

Connecting To Our Communities

Online In Class

255,627

total online followers

views across platforms +29m

81,372 attendances

4,895 dance classes

850,148 engagements across digital platforms

150 classes on our On Demand library

8,616 views

6,144 young people accessed education workshops deepening engagement with this audience in Greater Sydney and regional communities

5 1,006

1,900 livestream matinee attendances audio described performances attendances to classes in collaboration with Arthritis NSW and Dance for Parkison’s Australia

Dancer’s Report

From beginning to end, 2023 has been another successful year for Sydney Dance Company. This was my first year in the company after ten years dancing professionally in Europe, and what an experience it was. The first season with the Company was a true highlight. Rafael Bonachela’s new work, I Amness, is where I began my creative relationship with our Artistic Director. This piece was the opening to our new triple bill Ascent, alongside two brilliant works: Marina Mascarell’s The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird and Antony Hamilton’s Forever & Ever; extremely different works that showcase the remarkable versatility in this Company. The technical prowess and professionalism that this Ensemble are capable of was immediately apparent.

Following the successful season at Sydney Opera House it was time to take these works on the road. National touring is something extremely close to my heart. Growing up in Mackay, North Queensland, I fondly remember dance companies coming to our regional centre. Watching them on stage was a true inspiration for me to pursue dance as a full-time

profession. I know many of my fellow colleagues reflect this same sentiment.

I began my career with the Queensland Ballet in 2010, and now have come full circle returning to dance with the Company in Australia.

Being a dancer at Sydney Dance Company is defined not only by being a strong performer on stage, but also by being a role model for the future: teaching workshops, nurturing, and inspiring young dancers to strive toward their dreams, encouraging their passion for the arts.

We toured Ascent throughout Victoria, Northern Territory, Tasmania, regional New South Wales and our nation’s capital Canberra.

We were on tour for much of the year, and as such, the camaraderie and teamwork we built deepened. It may sound cliché, but this is a time in which our colleagues become our family. On tour, and in the studio, this group bonded together with a high level of respect, understanding and care; traits needed

for any successful dance company. After national touring it was time for the exciting adventure of the international tour, but not before a special evening; the famous ‘Dance Noir’, a spectacular gala filled with glam, fun and frivolity, where we also had the opportunity to dance. The next day was on a plane, packing with us our repertoire: ab [intra], Impermanence and Forever & Ever. We performed in Turin (Italy), Madrid (Spain), Bonn (Germany) and Den Haag, the home of Netherlands Dance Theatre.

What an honour it was to return to Europe, this time representing our fierce Australian contemporary dance company. The friends, the food, the stages, and the standing ovations will never be forgotten. We also managed to fit in an inspiring week of creating Somos in Madrid. Two weeks after we got off the plane in Sydney, we were premiering this work in our very own Neilson Studio. This was quite a personal and intimate piece, as artistically challenging as it was satisfying. The audiences and the ensemble were immersed in the beauty and the thrill of live, up close, dance performance.

We wrapped up a remarkable year with the renowned New Breed season at Carriageworks. Four incredible creatives showcased their artistic voices: Riley Fitzgerald, Eliza Cooper, Tra Mi Dinh and Beau Dean Riley Smith. Four unique choreographic works to solidify the multifaceted talent of this group. New Breed was the final performance of Jesse Scales with the Ensemble. Jesse will be greatly missed, not only for their artistry and talent over twelve years of performance. Their work ethic, respect and professionalism in Sydney Dance Company leaves us all with a sense of admiration and pride. Thank you Jesse, we wish you all the best.

2023 has been a year like no other, a year to remember. I’m waiting with bated breath for what 2024 will bring.

Piran Scott

Dancers 2023

Naiara de Matos

Jacopo Grabar

Liam Green

Riley Fitzgerald

Morgan Hurrell

Madeline Harms

Luke Hayward

Lucy Angel (Trainee)Timmy Blankenship (New Breed)

Dean Elliott

Sophie Jones

Ngaere Jenkins (New Breed)

Emily Seymour

Chloe Young

Jesse Scales

Mia Thompson

Kai Taberner

Connor McMahon

Piran Scott

Coco Wood

On Stage

During 2023 Sydney Dance Company had the opportunity to perform in a variety of locations with a very diverse repertoire, performing a breadth of work that represents contemporary dance at its best. We showcased Australian and international creative talent, both established and emerging.

Sydney Dance Company’s contribution to the Australian creative industries was demonstrated through the engagement of independent artists and creatives in the music, lighting, costume design and production fields.

For the first time we facilitated five audio described performances and one relaxed performance, creating more opportunities for accessibility and inclusion.

I Am-ness

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela

Music Lonely Angel meditation for violin and strings by Pēteris Vasks

Costume Design

Costume Design

Realisation

Rafael Bonachela

Aleisa Jelbart

Lighting Design Damien Cooper

I Am-ness calls for the convergence of the moving body and creative mind, charting a world in flux where simplicity dominates and expectations are subverted.

Rafael Bonachela revisits the powerful and emotive work of the Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks. Vasks’ Lonely Angel sets a resolute yet hushed melancholy on strings, creating an ode to our shared sense of being, and canvassing the nature of existence with euphoric tenderness.

“This poignant choreography is housed in a dark blue set moodily filled with mist and to a keening score for string ensemble – you can practically hear the violins sighing with unfulfilled yearning.”

— Sydney Morning Herald

‘Bonachela’s exacting, labyrinthine choreography is fabulous as the dancers swoop, slither, roll, leap, separate and then writhe sculpturally together, jump and are caught by the other dancers...”

— Sydney Arts Guide

39 Performances

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird

Direction Marina Mascarell

Choreographer Marina Mascarell, in collaboration with Lucy Angel, Dean Elliott, Jacopo Grabar, Liam Green, Luke Hayward, Sophie Jones, Emily Seymour, Jesse Scales, Coco Wood

Music Nick Wales

Set and Costume Design

Lighting Design

Lauren Brincat and Leah Giblin

Damien Cooper

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird is the journey of some bodies towards the unknown, as mutant creatures in an oneiric valley. A place where the dancers abandon binarisms and old forms to embrace a transition process from what we were and are to what we will be.

Bodies are penetrated by a constantly transforming place, decentralising the human, shifting our focus to still have a chance to survive. Hybridising bodies, containers of information, like shells, adapting to life in continuous transition; as lyrebirds, learning from the natural and the artificial world to survive; as hosts of a finite world, in an attempt to decode the old and understand where those ghosts will go or if we will succumb as well.

“Mascarell offered a strikingly beautiful abstract staging involving acres of ropes and fabric manipulated by nine dancers to create, what appeared to be, a storm at sea.” — Australian Arts Review

“Inspired by her experience in Australia, Mascarell’s stunning The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird reveals a visual and soundscape that captures the quiet essence of this vast country, filled with the sounds of Australian birds.”

— The Wonderful World of Dance

36 Performances

Forever & Ever

Choreographer Antony Hamilton

Music Julian Hamilton

Costume Design Paula Levis

Lighting Design Ben Cisterne

The Helpmann award-winning Forever & Ever returned following its premier season in 2018 –with the pandemic required pause worth the wait. Set to a sonically stimulating score by The Presets’ Julian Hamilton, Forever & Ever fuses a killer mix of dance, techno, high fashion and vivid lighting to hypnotic effect.

Exploring ideas of order, chaos, popular culture and human behaviour, this boundary-pushing work is a bold and thrilling theatrical experience, mesmerising audiences at each performance.

ab [intra]

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela

Music Original score by Nick Wales featuring Klātbūtne by Pēteris Vasks

Production and Costume Design David Fleishcher

Lighting Design Damien Cooper

ab [intra], ‘from within’ in Latin, explores our primal instincts, our impulses and our visceral responses; a journey through the intensity of human existence that commands attention. A ferociously physical and emotional piece which stays with the audience long after leaving the theatre.

Impermanence

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela

Composer Bryce Dessner

Music co-commissioned by Australian String Quartet

Music Features Another World by Anohni

Costume Designer Aleisa Jelbart

Lighting Designer Damien Cooper

Stage Designer David Fleischer 9

A visceral and thrilling exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation, this full-length work featured a new score full of emotional power from Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner. This work showcases the power of dance and music performed live as Sydney Dance Company’s Ensemble performs alongside a string quartet. This epic, driven performance packs an emotional punch.

In 2023 Sydney Dance Company’s Ensemble was joined live on stage by the Australian String Quartet and Quatuor Zaïde (France).

Somos

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela

Music Songs by Arca, Buika, Estrella Morente, Silvia Perez Cruz, ROSALÍA and Chavela Vargas

Set and Costume Design

Lighting Design

Kelsey Lee

Damien Cooper

Meaning ‘we are’ in Spanish, Somos features a cascade of intimate solos, duets and trios that pay homage to Rafael Bonachela’s roots. Performed in the round and set to music by powerhouse Latin songstresses, this work shows Sydney Dance Company’s masterful Ensemble closer than ever before.

“He [Rafael Bonachela] draws on the spirited dances and songs of his early years and has created an exquisitely beautiful and special experience.” — Sydney Arts Guide

“...Somos is an experience in which Bonachela rewrites the rules of contemporary dance in his own image, crafting a fresh and elemental production that will excite and entice dance lovers everywhere.” — Arts Hub

“There is intimate and then there is Somos.” — Limelight

22 Performances

New Breed: Ten Years Supporting Emerging Talent

What began as a simple idea between Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela and prominent philanthropist, the late Neil Balnaves AO, has transformed a legacy that will carry on for generations to come.

Ten years ago The Balnaves Foundation and Sydney Dance Company created a pivotal artistic opportunity for emerging choreographers: New Breed at Carriageworks. From its inception, New Breed has provided a platform for dance makers to push the boundaries, experiment and explore their artistic voice.

Since its first season, 39 dance makers have created 41 world premiere works with our Ensemble dancers. This vital program would not have been possible without the unwavering support of The Balnaves Foundation and Carriageworks. Their generous support has allowed New Breed to have a long-lasting impact on the careers of many artists and the future of contemporary dance.

Towards Innumerable Futures, Prue Lang, 2018

WOOF, Melanie Lane, 2017

Reign, Daniel Riley, 2015

“What New Breed offers is the opportunity to dream big, because you have all the resources and support and these incredible artists that you have access to.”

— Melanie Lane, New Breed choreographer 2017

“New Breed is more like an incubator and that’s what makes it exciting. It’s a pipeline for Australia’s next big and great artist.”

— Hamish Balnaves, CEO, The Balnaves Foundation

To celebrate ten years of New Breed, we commissioned multimedia artist Pedro Greig to create a six-part documentary series. The Journey of New Breed showcases the programs’ legacy. Watch the series

Given Unto Thee, Jasmin Sheppard, 2021

Wildebeest, Gabrielle Nankivell, 2014

New Breed 2023

Everyb0dy’s g0t a b0mb

Choreographer Riley Fitzgerald

Music Echoes in Space and Beirut Symphony by Rami Khalifé

Costume Design Aleisa Jelbart

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

Set Design Adrienne Andrews

Everyb0dy’s g0t a B0mb is inspired by the events that unfolded at the Woodstock ‘99 music festival in Rome, New York. This piece delves into the concept of “collective effervescence” first coined by sociologist Emile Durkheim. The festival, which featured prominent acts, experienced a tumultuous turn of events. Overpriced food and water, plus poor sanitation, and neglect from festival management, led to sickness, sexual harassment, violence, and rioting among the 220,000 attendees.

Everyb0dy’s g0t a B0mb explores raw, primal behaviours that emerge during such chaotic events.

Revenge Tales and Romance

Choreographer Eliza Cooper

Composer Mason Peronchik

Costume Design Aleisa Jelbart

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

In Revenge Tales and Romance five female performers compete for the audience attention and praise in a mesmerising spectacle of brazen heroism. Locked and loaded with cheer, they bask in Old Glory, shooting for the stars in a nostalgic tribute to the Western.

A play on paradigm and form, Revenge Tales and Romance tests the appropriateness of symbolism and archetype in performance, and asks ‘Is it superficial?’

In its tenth season, talented choreographers Riley Fitzgerald, Eliza Cooper, Tra Mi Dinh and Beau Dean created new works on members of the Sydney Dance Company ensemble.

10 Performances

Somewhere between ten and fourteen

Choreographer Tra Mi Dinh

Composer and Sound Design Tilman Robinson

Costume Design Aleisa Jelbart

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

Somewhere between ten and fourteen is a study on dusk - illuminating and indulging in the transient yet expansive moments between day and night. Bodies and energy chase the impermanence of transformation and surrender to the ever-shifting movements of light and time. It is a choreography propelled by the movement of light. It is an ode to change.

Gubba

Choreographer Beau Dean Riley Smith

Composer and Sound Design Brendon Boney

Music Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds and Breathe by The Prodigy

Costume Design Aleisa Jelbart

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

Gubba explores the foundation of what ‘Australia’ was built on, how this country was established and the processes instructed to claiming land that was never theirs to claim.

It is an exploration of that period of time, the frontier wars. With the arrival of the empire, the crown, we see the demolition of the First Nations people through a narration of Jeff Wayne’s 1978 musical score of H.G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds. Gubba tells the story from the white perspective but looking at it through a black lens.

Excerpt of Anima by Rafael Bonachela

Into Forever by Rachel Arianne Ogle

PPY23 Revealed

The Pre-Professional Year program culminates every year with PPY Revealed, a production season where the dancers perform commissioned works by Australian and international choreographers.

2 Performances

Pretend You Live Here

Choreographer Gabrielle Nankivell

Sound Design Luke Smiles

Sound Broken Mantra – Lorn

Love Like a Sunset Pt 1 – Pheonix Drained Lake – Loscil

Gravity that Binds – Caterina Barbieri

Costume Design Bronte Hilder

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

Cymatics

Choreographer Charmene Yap

Sound Design Alyx Dennison

Costume Design Bronte Hilder

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

Excerpt of Anima

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela

Composer Dobrinka Tabakova

Costume Design Bronte Hilder

Lighting (reimagined) Alexander Berlage

In 2023 the Pre-Professional Year students had the opportunity to perform works by Gabrielle Nankivell, Charmene Yap, Rafael Bonachela, Rachel Arianne Ogle, Leanne Litton & Alejandro Rolandi and Jenni Large.

Into Forever

Choreographer Rachel Arianne Ogle

Sound Design Ben Frost, Daniel Bjarnason

Costume Design Bronte Hilder

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

Desencuentro

Choreographer Leanne Litton & Alejandro Rolandi

Sound Design Trevor Brown

Costume Design Bronte Hilder

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

Synthetic Seduction

Choreographer Jenni Large

Sound Design Anna Whitaker

Costume Design Bronte Hilder

Lighting Design Alexander Berlage

PPY Unfolds

PPY Unfolds is an opportunity for dancers in the first year of the program to perform their research and creative development process.

4 Performances

Split Sides

Choreographer Merce Cunningham repertoire restaged by Melissa Toogood

Sound Design Sigur Rós

Excerpt of 2 One Another

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela restaged by Juliette Barton and Charmene Yap

Original Music Nick Wales

Cymatics

Choreographer Charmene Yap

Sound Design Alyx Dennison

Deep Fake

Choreographer Lisa Maris-McDonell

Sound Design Water Torture and Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock

Cymatics by Charmene Yap

On Tour

Sharing Contemporary Dance at Home and Internationally

Touring plays an integral part in the life of Sydney Dance Company. In addition to our three Sydney seasons, 2023 saw the Company performing extensively across Australia and Europe, reaching 23,282 people in Australia and 9,108 audience internationally.

Being on the road provides the opportunity to share contemporary dance in internationally acclaimed venues, as well as smaller communities, where Sydney Dance Company is often one of the largest scale productions presented in any year - especially in contemporary dance.

The national tour in 2023 gave an opportunity for dancers Luke Hayward and Riley Fitzgerald to dance in Alice Springs and Warrnambool, their hometowns, with the international tour showcasing Jacopo Grabar back on stage in Italy.

Returning to my hometown to perform is always a humbling experience. This was the second time I performed in Alice Springs with the Sydney Dance Company, with so many loved ones in the audience. It always feels like I’m reintroducing myself not just as a person but also as an artist after being away for so long. Sharing my passion for dance and potentially inspiring young students to explore careers in the performing arts was incredibly fulfilling.

– Luke Hayward.

Northern Territory

Alice Springs, 1 performance

Darwin, 1 performance

Victoria

Bendigo, 1 performance

Frankston, 1 performance

Geelong, 1 performance

Melbourne, 7 performances

Mildura, 1 performance

Warrnambool, 1 performance

Tasmania Hobart, 4 performances

Launceston, 1 performance

The Hague (Netherlands) 2 performances

Turin (Italy) 3 performances

Madrid (Spain) 5 performances

Bonn (Germany) 2 performances

South Australia

Adelaide, 4 performances

New South Wales

Newcastle, 1 performance

Port Macquarie, 1 performance

Rooty Hill, 2 performances

Sydney, 52 performances

Wyong, 1 performance

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra, 5 performances

INDance

The second season of INDance ran in our intimate performance venue, the Neilson Studio. This independent company season, supported by the Neilson Foundation, and featuring four works by independent Australian dance makers, is a unique opportunity for the independent dance sector to have their work presented in a program which specifically

12 Performances

Precipice

Choreographer Rachel Arianne Ogle

Performers Storm Helmore, Tyrone Robinson, Yilin Kong, Imanuel Dado

Composer Luke Smiles / motion laboratories

Costume Design Colleen Sutherland

Costume Construction Kristy Armstrong

Costume Technician Nicole Marrington

Lighting Design Benjamin Cisterne

Production Assistant Peter Young

Producer Rachel Arianne Ogle

Auspice Auspicious Arts

Cry Baby

Choreographer Parkin Projects – Kimberley Parkin

Music Nathan Menage, Sze Tsang, Thomas Beech

Set and Costume Design Kimberley Parkin

Lighting Design Peter Young

Performers Rhiana Katz, Celina Hage, Georgia Van Gils, Lily Stokes

aims to explore the diversity and innovation of contemporary dance.

The 2023 season again raised the profile of independent Australian dance artists and connected exceptional dance works with Sydney audiences.

Precipice began its life as an exploration of various physical states in opposition. It very quickly grew to take on a voice and direction of its own, to transcend the initial ideas and delve into territory encompassing grander concepts of the universe.

The infinite space in which we exist and to which we are intimately interconnected, and the invisible forces that are constantly at play within this, inspire a sense of awe beyond the realm of conception. Through considering our place in this immense system, we unveil a profound vulnerability and fragility that is both ephemeral and enigmatic.

Cry Baby is a raw and edgy interpretation of Rock and Roll through the ages. With a heavy utilisation of 70’s Rock & Roll music played live, the work cultivated an aesthetic backdrop of pastiche content and celebrates eclectic timelessness. Inspired by bona fide music legends, the work dissected their character idiosyncrasies to produce an electric, captivating movement study.

The work features an all-female Rock & Roll triplet who commanded and reinvented the space, aiming to always achieve full transparency and authenticity. The space is transformed from an ambitious rock show spectacular to a stripped back Aussie gig with nostalgic lighting states.

Precipice by Rachel Arianne Ogle

Cry Baby by Parkin Projects

Ryuichi Fujimura

The Complication of Lyrebirds by Jasmin Sheppard, Tagalaka.

INDance

Here Now (double bill)

Choreographer, Writer and Performer

Dramaturg

Ryuichi Fujimura

Carlos Gomes

Video Artist Laura Turner

Design Consultant Tobhiyah Stone Feller

Musician Hamed Sadeghi

Outside Eye Cloé Fournier

Original Lighting Designer (Fall! Falter!! Dance!!!)

Frankie Clarke

The Complication of Lyrebirds

Concept, Director and Choreographer Jasmin Sheppard, Tagalaka

Co-Collaborator, Dancer

Sound Design, Composer

Kaine Sultan Babij, Eastern Arrente

Naretha Williams, Wiradjuri

Composer, Musician Cris Derksen, Cree

Video Artist

Props Design

Samuel James

Emily Adinolfi

Costume Design Fiona Holley

Lighting Design

Karen Norris, Moriori Maori

Dramaturg Carly Sheppard, Tagalaka

Performers

Kaine Sultan Babij, Eastern Arrente and Audrey Goth-Towney, Wiradjuri

Acknowledgment INDance is made possible with generous support from the Neilson Foundation.

This program is made of two chapters from the Here Now Trilogy (Fall! Falter!! Dance!!! and How Did I Get Here?)

Fall! Falter!! Dance!!! is a reflection on a contemporary dancer’s life, in which recognition is limited and the reward is small. Through this solo, self-devised performance work, Ryuichi I asks themselves the fundamental question: ‘Why perform?’

How Did I Get Here? is the first instalment of a trilogy. It investigates how our perception of time changes as we age and how we recognise and accept the autumn phase of life.

The Complication of Lyrebirds is a contemporary dance work designed to break away from the social expectations of what it means to look or sound Aboriginal. Re-contextualising historical documents, such as ‘The White Australia Policy’ and ‘The Exemption Form’, as choreographic tools, The Complication of Lyrebirds investigates societal and cultural sources of expectations and pressures to create a unique and powerful choreographic narrative.

Creative Industries Collaborations

Sydney Dance Company plays a prominent role in supporting the promotion and development of creative industries. Through partnerships and collaborations we create synergies that aim to deliver innovative offerings for artists and audiences.

Carmen premiers in Australia

In October 2023, Carmen a French/Australian co-production had its Australian premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival. The film, created by choreographer Benjamin Millepied, was filmed in Australia featuring Sydney Dance Company dancers. Carmen was Millepied’s debut as a director.

Creating work for young audiences

Little Big Dance is a program designed to support dance artists to develop their skills in creating work for young audiences aged 0-5, connecting with their developmental stages and the broad way they can engage with performance. In January 2023 Sydney Dance Company’s Head of Open Programs & Learning, Samantha Dashwood, travelled to Brighton in the United Kingdom. In partnership with South East Dance she took part in cycle two of Little Big Dance to develop an understanding of the foundations and key objectives of this initiative.

Working with choreographers, dramaturgs, early years specialists and producers, this program saw dance artists from around the UK, Denmark and Australia participate. Sydney Dance Company supported Gabrielle Nankivell (choreographer for New Breed and Sydney Dance Company repertoire) and Lilian Steiner (New Breed choreographer) to also attend this program.

Building on the learnings of Little Big Dance, Sydney Dance Company will present a season for early years’ audiences in 2024.

Next level mentorship

Next Level Mentorship is an initiative of New South Wales’ peak arts and disability organisation. Sydney Dance Company mentored Dr Laura Osweiler, who completed 20 hours of one-on-one mentorship with various parts of the organisation. As a result of her mentorship, Laura has successfully entered Creative Partnerships Australia’s Match Lab program. She will be launching her campaign at Sydney Dance Company in early 2024.

Sydney Opera House

50th Anniversary

In 1973 Sydney Dance Company performed at the three-week Opening Festival of the Sydney Opera House, performing in the Concert Hall with a Triple Bill, including Narnia, choreographed by Chrissie Koltai. As a full-circle moment, it has been wonderful be part of many aspects of the Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary celebrations, including the publicly and critically acclaimed Ascent season in the Drama Theatre in March.

The Pre-Professional Year students and Associate Artists performed Play It Safe in a 50th anniversary film featuring Tim Minchin.

Sydney Dance Company was also part of 50/50 on Stream (Sydney Opera House’s Online Platform) –celebrating 50 films across 50 years. This covered a broad representation of the Company’s long history with the Sydney Opera House, including performances from 1985 and 2012. The Company was also featured at the Museum of Sydney’s The People’s House exhibition.

Watch: Play It Safe

Other industry contributions

Rafael Bonachela offered two solos from his Carla Zampatti tribute film YEARS as the repertoire to be learned by the 80+ young dancers in the Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix 2023. Training Associate Juliette Barton went as the coach for the solos, and Head of Training Linda Gamblin was on the judging panel for the competition.

Linda Gamblin, Samantha Dashwood, and Learning Manager Justine Turner presented a session on Mindful Coaching at the inaugural Dance Teachers Expo in Sydney in April, attended by hundreds of dance teachers from Sydney and around Australia.

Classes, Training and Education

“This was my first ballet class in 10 years and it was perfect for people looking to rediscover their joy for ballet. The combinations were challenging enough to be interesting but simple enough to allow focus on technique. Altogether lovely.”

– Beginner ballet participant, 2023

Classes

People of all ages and dance ability joined our classes, either at our Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Studios or by subscribing to our On Demand classes. Members of this dance community across Australia could be creative, get fit and have fun in a supportive environment.

Online

150 classes on our On Demand library

8,616 views

Sydney Dance Company’s Classes On Demand platform, a digital library of dance classes ranging in styles from ballet to jazz, hip hop to Pilates, has evolved from the initial virtual dance class offerings delivered on Zoom in 2020 to a pre-recorded library of classes taught by industry professionals. In 2023 there was a migration to a new platform to host these videos, providing a better user experience and access.

Expanding dance classes offering for families and children

To expand the reach and impact that dance and movement can offer for all ages, Sydney Dance Company piloted two programs for children and young people.

The Parents & Toddlers program, designed for children aged 2-4 and their parents / carers, saw 12 children enrolled in a four-week program. Working with props, stories and themes, this workshop was incredibly successful and will be delivered again in 2024.

A Dance for Families class that provides an opportunity for school-aged children to participate in an activity with their parent / carer, connecting through experience, movement and fun was also piloted in 2023. There were 233 attendances by young people and their parents / carers across 13 iterations of this program throughout the year.

In the Studio

2,188 attendances to School Holiday Workshops

74,531 attendances to adult classes

74

939

475 individual and group Pilates sessions short courses delivered to clients

80 dance teachers employed

“As a parent, participating in the class with my child was absolutely precious. To connect and engage on a creative level through guided activities was most enjoyable and memorable.”

– Parent of toddler

Ten years of the Pre-Professional Year Program

Pre-Professional Year (PPY) is a unique experience for aspiring professional dancers to approach fulltime training alongside a resident dance company. The training, developed in an immersive professional environment, presents a multifaceted view of the dance industry.

Sydney Dance Company’s PPY offers two nationally recognised training qualifications through a specialised curriculum tailored to global industry standards.

2023 marked the tenth anniversary of this program. From one cohort of 25 dancers, PPY expanded to two cohorts in 2021. In 2023, the program trained the largest number of aspiring young artists to date with a total of 59 dancers.

In the last decade, PPY trained 290 aspiring professional dancers and has seen many of them becoming incredible emerging artists. Alumni from this program have had employment opportunities with over 40 companies around the world.

Some of these organisations include Ballet National de Marseille (Marseille, France), Bangarra Dance Theatre (Sydney), Chunky Move (Melbourne), Cirque du Soleil (Montreal, Canada) and Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company (Frankfurt, Germany) among others.

Other graduates are working as independent artists fully involved in Australian and international dance and other creative industries. Closer to home, PPY graduate Eliza Cooper presented her work at New Breed 2023, and 2023 Ensemble dancers Coco Wood, Chloe Young, Sophie Jones, Morgan Hurrell and Lucy Angel are all PPY alumni. PPY Graduate Mason Peronchik composed the music for Eliza Cooper’s New Breed work.

Throughout the ten years of PPY, Sydney Dance Company has employed industry specialists and choreographers from some of the most influential dance companies across Australia and the world. The knowledge and skills shared by these artists and educators gives the PPY dancers an opportunity to refine and develop their technique and performance skills while working and collaborating with prominent members of the performing arts industry.

290

aspiring professional dancers graduated from the Pre-Professional Year Program since its inception in 2014

+50

guest choreographers and artists working with students in 2023

“In Pre-Professional Year I have thought, felt and danced a lot, but throughout this I feel as if I have discovered so much about the world and matured as a human being in life. I feel grateful to have met the people I have met, lived the experiences I was unsure of and overall to be able to learn and grow.”

– Evie Morewood, PPY1

in 2023

Listen to Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Head of Training Linda Gamblin and five PPY alumni to learn about their experiences and how this program was brought to life.

Watch the video

Pre-Professional Year 2023

With a total of 59 dancers, 2023 has seen the largest number of aspiring young artists being part of the PPY to date.

To support the change over as a Registered Training Organisation, the Company implemented a Student Management System and Learning Management System (LMS). These online systems have been key for improving the accessibility and productivity for both the PPY staff and students. The LMS has allowed Learning Associate, Alexandra Panetta,

Carla Zampatti Exhibition

Zampatti Powerhouse was the first retrospective exhibition of renowned Australian designer, business leader, philanthropist and mentor Carla Zampatti, AC, OMRI (1938 – 2021).

Encapsulating her trailblazing career, the exhibition drew from more than five decades of Zampatti’s work. It featured 100 outfits, including personal items from Zampatti’s estate, the Carla Zampatti Fashion Archive, the wardrobes of well-known women and through the results of hundreds of responses to a public callout.

to build a library of digital resources that improve and enhance the delivery of the course’s practical learnings.

Thanks to the contribution of our donors in 2023, three PPY2 students were recipients of scholarships that covered half of their tuition. This has been an important helping hand for young people living away from home and studying dance full-time. Two PPY1 students and one PPY2 student could access full scholarships.

“I’ve had the most transformative two years that have grown my appreciation for the art of dance in so many new ways. They have expanded and challenged my practice of dance and my everyday life, while giving me many enriching and dynamic experiences I am super grateful for. Dance can be so many things. But in my years at Pre-Professional Year, dance has been fun, liberating, inspirational, curious and therapeutic.” – Sam Osborn PPY2 in 2023

Sydney Dance Company PPY dancers had the honor to perform at the exhibition. The invite reflects Carla’s extensive support and love of Sydney Dance Company and was considered a privilege.

Independent choreographer Omer Backley-Astrachan choreographed an installation-style performance for the students of the 2023 PPY2 cohort at the exhibition. The dancers performed while the public explored the exhibition.

Accredited Training

After becoming a Registered Training Organisation in 2022 (RTO #45863), Sydney Dance Company piloted two iterations of an accredited short course in 2023. The Choreographic Practice Accredited Short Course was first delivered in July, with a second iteration running in October. There were 19 participants across the two programs, each receiving a statement of attainment for the choreographic units completed.

Throughout the program, participants worked with a range of independent choreographers, as well as Sydney Dance Company faculty, broadening their understanding of choreographic practices and developing their own approaches. Participants included dance teachers, early career choreographers, recent fulltime graduates, drama teachers and more.

The program was successful, with plans for an expanded suite of accredited short courses to be offered in 2024.

“After this course, my perception on choreography and performance has broadened to a larger scope. I even understood myself at a deeper level regarding how my body moves and my ways of thinking in choreography, which will help me develop in my studies and personal aspirations in dance.”

– Course participant 2023

Conditioning Studio

To mitigate the risk of injury and ensure the dancers are performing at their peak when on stage, Sydney Dance Company provides ensemble dancers and PPY students with access to specialist physiotherapy, Pilates, and endurance training. Sydney Dance Company’s Pilates studio is also open to the public to attend individual and group sessions.

During 2023 the studio worked on improving referral networks with different physiotherapy practices and promoting the offering through a variety of corporate networks.

“I could not have asked or anticipated a better teacher of Pilates - a true expert in every sense. My body struggling with the previous 16 weeks of inexplicable and difficult to diagnose hip and thigh pain is already moving and feeling better.”

– Pilates class participant

748 Pilates sessions to the public

67% from previous year

200 sessions with Sydney Dance Company ensemble dancers

33% from previous year

540 sessions with Pre-Professional Year students

80% from previous year

Advanced Training and Education

Our programs in advanced training and education not only feed the ecosystem of contemporary dance and strengthen the sector in NSW and Australia, but also puts Sydney Dance Company in a comparable position to leading companies around the world.

Youth and Professional Intensives

Sydney Dance Company offers intensive programs aimed to extend the knowledge and skills of dancers through technique classes, creative and choreographic tasking, and Company repertoire led by artistic staff.

The 2023 summer and winter Professional Intensives were attended by 42 international and national dancers. Participants travelled from countries such as New Zealand, Mongolia, Russia and USA as well as from around Australia, including Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland. Fully subsidised scholarships were given to NAISDA for four First Nations dancers to participate in the Professional Intensives.

24 young dancers from across Australia spent a week at Sydney Dance Company in January for our Summer Youth Intensive program.

Affiliate Programs

In affiliation with The McDonald College, Sydney Dance Company delivers the Senior Contemporary Dance Program for students in Years 10 – 12. This program develops the students advanced contemporary dance technique and choreographic practice skills. Since its inception in 2019, many students have auditioned and been accepted into the PPY Program.

Sydney Dance Company continues to provide dance training to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Music (Performance) degree program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Now in its third year, this collaboration equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a career in musical theatre. Additionally, they learn and perform repertoire from a variety of popular musical theatre productions.

“The livestream was perfect. A great mix of discussion, explanation, practical activities and performance. We would not have been able to see this performance in full without the livestream because of geographical and financial barriers, and my students thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity.”

– Teacher, Toowoomba, QLD

Education Programs

Sydney Dance Company’s Education Programs support primary and secondary schools, dance studios and tertiary students and teachers with curriculum aligned workshops, matinee performances, bespoke programs and teacher professional learning workshops.

Matinee Performances

Nine school matinees were delivered in five locations (Canberra, Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne and Rooty Hill) with 2,466 primary, secondary and tertiary students in attendance. The Forever & Ever School Matinee performance at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre in West HQ, Rooty Hill, was livestreamed to schools around the country with support from West HQ Club Grants program.

The livestream was seen by 1,900 students from 78 schools. The student audience included kindergarten / prep students through to year 12 students, with schools connecting from every state and territory in Australia.

Sydney Workshops

111 workshops were delivered to over 3,244 students in Sydney, either as an incursion, or held at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Studios. This included three fully subsidised workshops philanthropically supported to Fairfield Public School, enabling students to participate in workshops that due to low socioeconomic or financial circumstances would have been prohibitive.

National Tour Education Workshops

The National Tour Education Workshops concluded in 2023 with 117 contemporary creative education workshops delivered in 14 locations. Reaching over 2,900 young people, the workshops were delivered to absolute beginners through to advanced dancers, primary through to tertiary education students. Workshops have deepened the Company’s engagement in these communities through connecting with local schools, dance studios and venues, inspiring the next generation of young dancers.

With thanks to the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, fully subsidised contemporary creative workshops were delivered to 11 schools in Alice Springs, Hobart and Launceston.

Youth Engagement

Youth Ensemble 2023

The Youth Ensemble aims to challenge and nurture future contemporary dancers. The program gives young dancers the opportunity to develop their contemporary and allied dance techniques, create and explore their own movement, and learn and rehearse contemporary dance choreography in a professional context.

49 talented young dancers aged 12 - 18 formed the 2023 Youth Ensembles. The program was delivered throughout terms 1, 2 and 3, eight weeks each term, and celebrated the conclusion of the program with two sold-out showings in the Neilson Studio, attended by 145 family members and friends.

The Junior Ensemble performed a piece titled Komposition XXIV, choreographed by independent artist Cloé Fournier and the Senior Ensemble worked with PPY Course Coordinator, Tobiah Booth-Remmers who choreographed a piece titled un.

“Some of the highlights for the Junior Youth Ensemble this year have definitely been being able to work with a range of choreographers and different styles of contemporary, and also being able to expand my ability to improvise and create movement on my own.”

–

Youth Ensemble dancer, 2023

Creative Youth Dance Intensive, Lismore, New South Wales

Working in partnership with Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), and supported by Create NSW Holiday Break Partnership Program, Sydney Dance Company worked with 24 enthusiastic and tenacious young dancers across five-days in the Northern Rivers region, an area particularly hard hit by flooding following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The participants had the opportunity to learn Impermanence repertoire and were mentored through creative and improvisational tasks that encouraged the young dancers to find a new way of moving and creating.

The five-day intensive program culminated in an emotionally powerful and transformative performance for participants’ families, friends and staff at NORPA.

Watch this video produced during the five-day intensive in Lismore.

Youth Intensive, Western Sydney New South Wales

Sydney Coliseum Theatre, through the West HQ ClubGrants program, generously supported Sydney Dance Company’s Youth Intensive held on 3 - 7 July. This support allowed young people to access the program despite any financial or economic barriers, diversifying the participants and enhancing the development of contemporary dance in young people in Western Sydney.

Working with Company dancer Mia Thompson and teaching artists, 32 aspiring young dancers aged 13 - 18 years were taught Sydney Dance Company repertoire, learning how to develop and express their own experiences through contemporary dance.

Among the participants were two young dancers who had recently migrated from Ukraine and had not had the opportunity to participate in dance classes due to financial circumstances. They were inspired and thankful for the opportunity to reignite their love for dance in Australia.

The Youth Intensives in these areas highlighted the opportunity and demand for more in-depth engagement in regional areas and Western Sydney where access to leading arts practice is very limited.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Sydney Dance Company is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programs. In 2023, we established a partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia to improve inclusivity of dance classes for both the adult in-studio program and the School Holiday Workshops.

The work with Autism Spectrum Australia saw the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program implemented at Sydney Dance Company, with training for customer service team and other key staff, and a commitment to supporting those with hidden disabilities. Visual stories were developed, providing key information about what to expect when attending a class, workshop or program at Sydney Dance Company. These visual stories are now available on the website and emailed to participants prior to commencement of a program.

During 2023 our performances became more accessible. For the first time, Sydney Dance Company offered five audio described performances in multiple locations including Canberra, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Dance Company’s Neilson Studio and the Arts Centre Melbourne. Those who attended these performances could access a tactile tour, which gave enhanced insight into some of the production elements like costuming and sets. This tour was delivered by audio describers, Liz Lea and Imogen Young.

Sydney Dance Company’s first relaxed performance was delivered in November with the support of the JACE Foundation, enabling 87 young people and their carers from two schools to attend a performance of Somos

In consultation with Autism Spectrum Australia, as well as the creative collaborators of Somos, the show was tailored to the audience by adjusting the duration, removing any bright flashing lights, lowering

the volume of the music and adapting the way the dancers engaged with the audience. Quiet areas were set up to provide a sensory break area for audience members if required, and an open-door policy was implemented for this show. The schools received a visual story ahead of time to prepare them for the performance and to provide resources for reflection after the show.

Sydney Dance Company continued to partner with Arthritis NSW to deliver online classes for anyone living with arthritis. Motion & Flow was a weekly class designed for people with a range of mobility and ability levels. There were 969 attendances across the 40 classes delivered.

To mark World Parkinson’s Awareness month in April, Dance for Parkinson’s Australia and Sydney Dance Company presented an accessible community dance, movement and music class, suitable for those with restricted mobility, such as Parkinson’s Disease or arthritis. The class was well attended with 37 people from the community.

“The

online classes with Sydney Dance Company have changed my existence. As someone who lives with a chronic health condition, being able to take class from my own home and rewatch the videos has been excellent. These classes have changed my life from a downward trajectory to one in which I am now having so much fun.”

– Motion & Flow participant, 2023

Sector Development at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct

Sydney Dance Company continues to build on the benefits of our renewed home at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. It has been heartening to see more people visiting and returning to work at the precinct, taking advantage of Sydney Dance Company’s café and foyer as a place to meet, collaborate and work. We are committed to increasing the use of our venues by third parties through a targeted approach to commercial hires, partnerships and internally run activations.

Hirers in 2023 have included acclaimed pop singer Charlie XCX, The Australian Ballet, Universal, Disney, LG, Dance for Parkinson Australia, World Pride, FORM Dance, Sydney Fringe Festival, Westpac, Gondwana Choirs, Bangarra Dance Theatre, QPAC, Global Creatures, Cure 4 Cystic Fibrosis, NSW Department of Education – The Arts Unit, Sydney Opera House, Surf Life Saving Australia and Dirty Feet.

Sydney Dance Company co-produced Queers of Java with Sydney World Pride, with in-kind venue hire and production support. The collaboration hosted acclaimed Indonesian artist Rianto and fellow performers from Indonesia and Melbourne. Other events Sydney Dance Company hosted during World Pride included ‘A Deeper Love’, an after party by Queer producing teams Bad Dog, Happenings and Unfunded Empathy.

Sydney Dance Company Studios, and specifically the Neilson Studio, have been assets that allow Sydney Dance Company to contribute in-kind support for independent artists and the greater arts community. Over 60 hours of in-kind support has been provided to organisations such as March Dance, Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, Sydney Fringe Festival and Dirty Feet’s Out of the Studio program.

Our Partnership with Sydney Fringe Festival continued in 2023, with Sydney Dance Company as the official Dance Hub of the festival, with presentations of three productions over three days by artists Lewis Major and Paulina Quinteros.

Sydney Dance Company continues to seek more opportunities to welcome more independent dance artists into our spaces, especially through performance opportunities at the Neilson Studio, which is a vital and accessible space for the sector.

Philanthropy and Partnerships

Fundraising is critical for Sydney Dance Company. It is thanks to the generosity and loyalty of our donors that we can continue to create extraordinary contemporary dance experiences: performances, touring and education activities.

While the Philanthropy and Partnerships team takes the lead on nurturing and developing relationships with donors and supporters, the whole Company takes great care to bring people together to celebrate their contributions.

Sydney Dance Company presents a range of events to engage and connect, including Opening Nights, the Carla Zampatti Commissioning Fund Dinner, Dance Noir, and more intimate events such as Rehearsal Evenings and the Dancers’ Circle dinner.

Wherever possible, we aim to share behind-thescenes experiences and unique insights with our supporters by inviting them into the studio and including discussions about the creative process at our events.

At the Carla Zampatti Commissioning Fund Dinner in 2023 Kellie Hush led a panel discussion with Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela and choreographer, Marina Mascarell, together with the Set and Costume Designers Lauren Brincat and Leah Giblin, exploring the collective creativity behind The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & the Lyrebird

In 2023 Sydney Dance Company celebrated ten years of New Breed supported by The Balnaves Foundation and announced a new initiative, The Balnaves Foundation Artist-in-Residence. This creates opportunities for New Breed alumni to work in-house with Sydney Dance Company to develop artistic, production and administrative skills. A longstanding supporter, The Balnaves Foundation remains committed to providing opportunities to invigorate the contemporary dance scene.

Dance Noir: FAMOUS

Sydney Dance Company’s annual fundraising gala, Dance Noir, returned to the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct on Saturday 9 September, with over 470 people embracing the ‘Famous’ theme for a spectacular night of dancing and celebrating.

Board member Larissa Brehrendt AO gave a beautiful Welcome to Country and performances included Sydney Dance Company dancers and a group of PPY dancers. The event was hosted by MC Janice Petersen (SBS World News Presenter) and featured DJs Mason Browne and Sveta.

The Dance Noir Committee, chaired by Creative Producer Peter Reeve and Mandy Foley, worked tirelessly to make the event a great success. In 2023 Sydney Dance Company signed a three-year partnership with Fairfax & Roberts for Dance Noir and secured over 100 silent and live auction prizes.

Sydney Dance Company is very grateful to everyone who contributed to the night’s success, including attendees, donors and the many organisations and individuals who provided prizes.

We would like to thank all our Partners for their generous support and acknowledge those who have given anonymously. Our Partners make it possible for us to create and present new work, inspire future generations of dancers and audiences, and extend our reach. We couldn’t do it without you.

If you would like more information about joining our family, please contact our Philanthropy Team on 02 9258 4882 or email philanthropy@sydneydancecompany.com

Platinum Partners

A special thank you to our Platinum Partners for their enduring commitment and passion for Sydney Dance Company.

The late Robert Albert AO & Elizabeth Albert

The Balnaves Foundation

Jane & Andrew Clifford

Crown Resorts Foundation

Julian Knights AO & Lizanne Knights

Jules Maxwell

Andrew Messenger

Naomi Milgrom AC

Naomi Milgrom Foundation

The Neilson Foundation

Judith Neilson AM

Packer Family Foundation

Gretel Packer AM

Thyne Reid Foundation

The Wales Family Foundation

Carla Zampatti Foundation

Mary Zuber

Visionary Patron

Brett Clegg

Take A Step & Take A Seat Campaigns

We would like to thank our Take A Step and Take A Seat supporters, who enabled the transformation of our Walsh Bay Arts Precinct home.

Take a Step

NSW Government

The Neilson Foundation

The Wales Family

Jane & Andrew Clifford

Catriona Mordant AM & Simon Mordant AO

The late Carla Zampatti AC

Brett Clegg & Annabel Hepworth

Julian Knights AO & Lizanne Knights

Pam & Doug Bartlett

Kiera Grant & Mark Tallis

The Alexandra & Lloyd Martin

Family Foundation

Karen Moses

Emma-Jane Newton

& Chris Paxton

Thyne Reid Foundation

Mary Zuber

Paul Brady & Christine Yip

Alexa & David Haslingden

Jane & Richard Freudenstein

Mark Hassell

The late Carina Martin

In memory of Nora McCullagh

David Mathlin & Camilla Drover

Ezekiel Solomon AM

Judi Wolf & Alden Toevs

Rafael Bonachela & Joe Lawler

Michelle & Logan Boyle

Jillian Broadbent AC & Olev Rahn

Peter & Liz Brownie

Tony Burke

& the late Janice Burke

Benjamin Cisterne

Debbie Coffee

Alexandra Considine

Jade & Richard Coppleson

Chum Darvall AM

Anne Dunn & Patricia Buick

Donna & Carl Jackson

Tina & Mark Johnson

Longreach Ownership Trust

Michael Lynch

& the late Chrissy Sharp

Macquarie Group Foundation

Rohan Morris

Lizzi Nicoll

Nick Read

Peter Reeve & Jaycen Fletcher

Leslie Stern

Victoria Taylor

Susan Wynne

Take a Seat

The late Robert Albert AO & Elizabeth Albert

David Baxby

Selina Baxby

Jillian Broadbent AC

Todd Buncombe

Livinia Clegg

Janine Collins

Desmon Du Plessis & David Jonas

Anne Dunn & Patricia Buick

Deborah & David Friedlander

Margaret Gibbs

Andy Grant

Poppy Mallett

In memory of Nola McCullagh

Karen Moses

Paris Neilson

India Neville

Lizzi Nicoll

Emma-Jane Newton

Chris Paxton

Tim Rahn

Nick Read

Victoria & Peter Shorthouse

Catherine Smithson

Ruth & Bruce Smithson

Noel Staunton

In loving memory of Ian Wallace

Our Supporters

Dancers’ Circle

To celebrate our milestone 50th anniversary in 2019, we were proud to establish the Dancers’ Circle, which directly supports the growth and development of our ensemble of dancers, enabling pathways for their time with the Company and beyond.

Patron: Julian Knights AO

Hayley & James Baillie

Brett Clegg & Annabel Hepworth

Manuela Darling

Deborah & David Friedlander

Paula & Damien Cronin

Margaret Gibbs

Andrew & Emma Gray

The Hansen Family

Julian Knights AO & Lizanne Knights

Roslyn Packer AC

In memory of Nora McCullagh

Rachel & Neil Sinden

Pip & Dick Smith Foundation

Mary Zuber

2023 Early Careers Artists

The Wales Family Foundation

2023 Company Traineeship

The Wales Family Foundation

2023 Accessibility Partner

JACE Foundation

Annual Partner Program

Our annual Partner Program underpins all of our activities, enabling us to create, commission and share exceptional contemporary dance experiences with people of all ages, across Australia and around the world.

Performance Partners

($20,000 - $50,000)

Jillian Broadbent AC & Olev Rahn

Andrew & Emma Gray

Alexa & David Haslingden

Susan Maple-Brown AM

& the late Robert Maple-Brown AO

Emma-Jane Newton

& Chris Paxton

Nelson Meers Foundation

Ruth Ritchie Family Fund

Studio Partners ($10,000+)

Pam & Doug Bartlett

John Barrer

David & Selina Baxby

Aniek Baten

Paul Brady & Christine Yip

Susie Dickson

& the late Martin Dickson AM

Helen Eager & Christopher Hodges

Girgensohn Foundation

Kay Freedman

& the late Ian Wallace

Kathryn Greiner AO

John Griffiths & Beth Jackson

In memory of Nora McCullagh

Lou Oppenheim

Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM

Matt Shelmerdine

Leslie Stern & John Head

Victoria Taylor

Alenka Tindale

Barbara Wilby & Christopher Joyce

Anonymous (4)

Duet Partners ($5,000+)

John Kaldor AO

The Berg Family Foundation

Jane Bridge

Andrew Cameron AM & Cathy Cameron

Ari & Lisa Droga

Terri Hollings in memory of Erin Ostadal

Linda Herd

Denise Kirkpatrick

David Mathlin & Camilla Drover

Karen Moses

Paris Neilson & Todd Buncombe

Rachel Parratt & Brett Lunn

Catherine Parr & Paul Hattaway

peckvonhartel architects

Dr Natalie E Pelham

& Prof Carol Mills

Greeba Pritchard

Kellie & Warryn Robertson

Stedmans

CA Scala & DB Studdy

Penelope Seidler AM

Catherine Smithson

Kathy White

Adam Worling Public Relations

Dance Partners ($2,000+)

Phillip & Catherine Brenner

Jacqui Burton

Dr Michelle Deaker

Suellen & Ron Enestrom

Annalise Fairfax

Bradford Gorman & Dean Fontana

Cheryl Hatch

Gabrielle Iwanow

Aleksandra Jaksic

Tina & Mark Johnson

Desmon Du Plessis

& the late David Jonas

Elias & Jana Juanas

Susan Perrin-Kirby

Peter Reeve & Jaycen Fletcher

Sarah Rennie

Bernard Ryan & Michael Rowe

Ezekiel Solomon AM

Cheryl M Spoor

Christine Thomson

David Wayne

Ray Wilson OAM

Anonymous (3)

Rehearsal Partners ($1,000+)

Janet Abernethy & Richard Willis

Michael Adena & Joanne Daly

Anna Baillie-Karas

Rob Coombe

Susanne de Ferranti

Tanya Diesel

Helen Forrester

Steve & Emma Fouracre

Bunny Gardiner-Hill

Belinda Gibson

Amber Gooley

Anna & Richard Green

Ben Harlow

Hon Don Harwin

Kaye Hocking

Graham & Judy Hubbard

Bernadette Walker & Allen Iu

Lynton Jamieson

Alicia K Kemp

Robert Kidd

Tanja Liedtke Endowment

Royston Lim

Susie Manfred & Hunter McPherson

Kate Richardson & Chris Marrable

Greg Peirce

Marion Pascoe

Dominique Robinson

James Sharp & Karl MaChey

Dr Brindha Shivalingam

Jann Skinner

Mike Thompson

Alan & Flavia Young Anonymous (4)

Ensemble Partners ($250+)

Andre & Daphne

Alice Bedlington

Sarah Brasch

Dr. Cynthia A Beckett & Gordon Smith

Michelle Casey

Stephen Chase & Colette Baini

Richard Cobden SC

Max Dingle OAM

Rachael Haggett

Josie Gurney

Josephine Key & the late Ian Breden

Doreen & Phillip Marsh

Wouter Roesems

Mark & Jennifer Royle

Norman R Scott

Cynthia Scott

Stuart Thomas

David Thomson OAM

Sylvia Tooth

Silke & Christian Zentner Anonymous (16)

2023 Carla Zampatti

Commissioning Fund

With visionary support from the Carla Zampatti Foundation. Together with the generosity of the Neilson Foundation and 2023

Carla Zampatti Commissioning Fund supporters.

Pam & Doug Bartlett

Paul Brady & Christine Yip

Jillian Broadbent AC & Olev Rahn

Belinda Gibson

Kathryn Greiner AO

John Griffiths & Beth Jackson

Alexa & David Haslingden

Linda Herd

Dr Kenneth Howison

John Kaldor AO

Alicia K Kemp

Julian Knights AO & Lizanne Knights

Macquarie Group Foundation

David Mathlin & Camilla Drover

Jules Maxwell

In memory of Nora McCullagh

Karen Moses

Paris Neilson & Todd Buncombe

Rebel Penfold-Russell OAM & Ian Low

Ruth Ritchie Family Fund

Penelope Seidler AM

Matt Shelmerdine

Stedmans

Leslie Stern & John Head

2023 Touring Fund

John Barrer

Jane Bridge

Susie Dickson & the late Martin Dickson AM

Bunny Gardiner-Hill

Girgensohn Foundation

Rick Gove

Emma & Andrew Gray

Kathryn Greiner AO

Matt Shelmerdine

Catherine Smithson

Victoria Taylor

Sylvia Tooth

Kathy White

Barbara Wilby & Christopher Joyce

Bequests

The Estate of C.R. Adamson

The Estate of Patricia Cameron-Stewart

The Estate of Janet Fischer

The Estate of Patricia Leehy

The Estate of Carina Martin

The Estate of Lorelle Thomson

The Estate of Peggy Watson (Raczkowska)

2023 Pre-Professional Year

Doug Hall Foundation Scholarship

The Wales Family Scholarships

Mary Zuber Scholarship

The Hephzibah Artist Development Program

2023 Training Associate

Tim Fairfax AC

2023 Training Administrator

Tim Fairfax AC

Our Year in Numbers

Across 2023 Sydney Dance Company employed 140 staff and contractors. The lease of Sydney Dance Company premises at Walsh Bay has a significant effect on the Company’s Balance Sheet and P&L at reporting date and will continue in future years due to the accounting required under “AASB 16 Leases”.

After this accounting requirement, the deficit for the year ended 31 December 2023 was ($1,773,194). Management calculates that an operational deficit of ($1,371,880) was achieved in 2023. For further information see the Sydney Dance Company 2023 Financial Report.

* including performances at Dance X, M Pavilion, Decadance and Night at the Barracks

Board and Staff

Board of Directors

Emma-Jane Newton (Chair from May)

Brett Clegg (Chair until April)

David Baxby

Larissa Behrendt AO

Jillian Broadbent AC

David Friedlander

Emma Gray

Alexa Haslingden

Mark Hassell

Catriona Mordant AM (until July)

Sandra McCullagh

Paris Neilson

Bianca Spender (from February)

International Patron

Dame Darcy Bussell DBE

Ambassadors

Judy Crawford

Bee Wood

Jules Maxwell

Dance Noir Committee Co-Chairs

Mandy Foley & Peter Reeve

Committee

Fuzz Ali, Sally Burleigh, Jane Clifford, Debbie Coffey, Irene Deutsch, Georgie

Fergusson, Alexa Haslingden, Sarah Myer, Paris Neilson, Mim Stacey, Stephen Thatcher, Michelle Walsh

Management

Artistic Director

Rafael Bonachela

Executive Director

Lou Oppenheim

Executive Assistant

Amy Burrows

Producer Dominic Chang

Associate Producer – Ensemble

Kerry Thampapillai

Associate Producer – Wharf

Michael Sieders (from November)

International Touring Consultant

Alan Coates (from April)

Event and Venue Hire Manager

Sandra Di Palma (May until August)

Gracie Valdez (until May)

Venue Operations Manager

Belinda Campbell (until August)

Chief Financial Officer

Sean Radcliffe

Financial Accountant

Melissa Sim

Payroll Assistant

Carina Mision

Director Training & Education

Polly Brett

Head of Open Programs & Learning

Samantha Dashwood

Dance Class Manager

Ramon Doringo

Conditioning Studio Manager

Felicity McGee

Customer Service Manager

Michael Sieders (until November)

Customer Service & Venue Manager

Andrew Grant (from November)

Customer Service Assistant

Kimberley Brewster (until January)

Jack Calver (from March)

Head of Training

Linda Gamblin

Pre-Professional Year Course Coordinator

Omer Backley-Astrachan (until April)

Tobiah Booth-Remmers (from April)

Training Associate

Juliette Barton

Learning Associate Alexandra Panetta

Learning Manager Justine Turner

Learning Coordinator Jacqueline Cooper

Learning Administrator

Eugénie English

Philanthropy and Partnerships Director

Alan Watt

Head of Philanthropy Michelle Boyle

Philanthropy Manager Lachlan Bell

Trust & Foundations Manager

Madeleine White

Philanthropy Coordinator

Emma Langfield (until December)

Government Relations Coordinator

Prudence Tan (until May)

Head of Marketing, Communications, Partnerships & CRM

Priscilla Hunt (until September)

Marketing Manager

Natalie Zagaglia

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Vivienne Crowle

Laurence Corbett

Marketing Intern

Pin Hsuan Monica Su (from July to December)

Publicity Manager

Alexandra Barlow

Corporate Development Manager

Marcus Hurley (until October)

Head of CRM & Business Intelligence

Louise Davidson

Ticketing Specialist

John Calvi

Resident Multimedia Artist

Pedro Greig

Technical Director

Guy Harding

Company and Resident Stage Manager

Simon Turner

Technical Coordinator

Tony McCoy

Head of Wardrobe

Annie Robinson

Wardrobe Assistants

Nicole Artsetos, Tim Corne, Alesia Jelbart, Monica Smith, Bronte Hilder

Production Technicians and Venue Technicians

Ben Anshaw, Harry Clegg, Anneke Harrison, Susie Henderson, Jem Hoppe, Travis Kecek, Tom Kelly (Trainee), James Lister, Shane Placentino, Jenn Ryan, Cameron Smith, Stephanie Storr Clark

Rehearsal Director

Richard Cilli

Rehearsal Associate

Charmene Yap

Holly Doyle (New Breed season)

The Company

Dancers

Timmy Blakenship (New Breed season)

Dean Elliott

Riley Fitzgerald

Jacopo Grabar (until October)

Liam Green

Madeline Harms

Luke Hayward

Morgan Hurrell

Ngaere Jenkins (New Breed season)

Sophie Jones

Alex Macnab (for March only)

Connor McMahon

Jesse Scales

Piran Scott

Emily Seymour

Naiara De Matos

Kai Taberner (until June)

Mia Thompson

Coco Wood

Chloe Young

Trainee

Lucy Angel

Photography Credits

Don Arnold, Daniel Boud, Pedro Greig, Chris Herzfeld, Kate Holmes, Samuel James, Gregory Lorenzutti, Andrea Macchia, Jacquie Manning, Traianos Pakoufakis, Edwin Sitt, Wendell Teodoro

Company Doctor

Dr. Michael Berger

Sports Doctor

Dr. James Lawrence

APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Ashlea Mary Cohen

Shannon Trotter

Isabella De Santis

Employee Assistance

Program Manager

Dr. Sallie Grey

Company Teachers

Anton

Emily Amisano

Juliette Barton

Richard Cilli

Joshua Consandine

Davide Di Giovanni

Holly Doyle

Cathie Goss

Jenni Large

Felicity McGee

Iohna Mercer

Charmene Yap

Our Partners

Government Partners

New Breed Principal Partner

Artistic Director’s commissioning partner (Forever & Ever)

Major Partners

Artistic Director Partner

Major Partner

Trusts & Foundations

Government Supporters

Company Partners

Associate Partners

Supporters

Capi, Committee for Sydney, Heaps Normal, Tattersalls Club, Samsonite, Stedmans

Sydney Dance Company is assisted by the Australian Government through the Creative Australia arts funding and advisory body Sydney Dance Company is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW

We thank the Naomi Milgrom Foundation for its support of our Forever & Ever Education Program, enabling school students to access transformative contemporary dance experiences.