Executive Director’s Report
Sydney Dance Company moved into the renovated and renewed premises at its home on the Wharf at the beginning of 2021. It was a delight to have the team back together, operating out of one building and to begin to bed down the plans that the investment in our home would allow us to bring to fruition. As the studios filled with dancers and the new Neilson Studio welcomed its first audiences, we were pleased to be able to welcome the many donors and supporters who made it all possible through their support of the “Take a Step” campaign. The spirit of optimism born out of the excitement of the long-awaited return to the Wharf, was further buoyed by the prospect of a less disrupted year. In February the Company was delighted to be back on stage with the stunning work Impermanence, the fruit of a gorgeous partnership with the Australian String Quartet. 2021 also brought a welcome return to touring
with a visit to Adelaide Festival and standing ovations and much appreciation for the dancers and musicians. Challenges came our way with the ongoing presence of Covid disrupting many plans, but much had been learnt in 2020. The establishment of the virtual studios digital classes program in 2020 meant that when a shut-down happened in 2021 Sydney Dance Company was already in market and delivering classes to an existing participant group thereby minimising disruption and allowing the Company to continue to generate revenue across a period of extreme challenge for our industry. The dancers and staff of the Company were quick to adjust as we moved through the lockdown phase and we were able to stay productive and engaged despite the disruptions. If the spirit of Sydney Dance Company were to be embodied in a few words it might well be nimble
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2021 Impact Report