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

and resourceful, and this was demonstrated over and again across 2021 as performances and tours were cancelled or rescheduled and Rafael and the producing and rehearsal team adjusted processes and outcomes to meet the situation. The education and training teams continued to evolve and respond with admirable grace as PPY continued on with an impressive full cohort in the first iteration of a new two year program - with year one focussed on Diploma accreditation and year two students focussed on attaining an Advanced Diploma. Congratulations to the team for their perseverance and adroitness. The combined efforts of the Sydney Dance Company team and Board, the support of our philanthropic and corporate partners and our Government partners, have ensured that the Company continues to perform well despite the operating challenges of the year. I am pleased to report an operating result of $624,291 and a combined surplus result of $2,017,277 when donations for the capital campaign are included. Government support has been vital over this time to assist in managing the volatile operating environment and we sincerely thank both the Federal and the NSW Governments for the additional support they have provided to see us through the risks of Covid.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Board of Sydney Dance Company. 2021, like the prior year, was challenging and tumultuous, with an external operating environment which continued to push us all. Through it all the Board led with consistent and communicative calm and thoughtfulness and the commitment to the company was evident on so many levels. As I step away from Sydney Dance Company after 12 years at the helm I reflect with pride and gratitude at what we have collectively achieved, knowing that the Board have been an instrumental part of the success of not only 2021, but of the Company as it stands today. My personal thanks goes to Chair Brett Clegg who always made time, shared wisdom and guidance, offered opinions and equally was open to hearing others. We enjoyed a candid and constructive working relationship and one I valued greatly. I also want to take a moment to congratulate the team at Sydney Dance Company – it has been a pleasure to lead them and work alongside them not just in 2021 but for the many years prior. The dedication and commitment has been inspiring and the collective impact has been impressive. I particularly want to thank the senior leadership team of Lizzi Nicoll, Caroline Spence and Sean Radcliffe all of whom have thrown their energy and talent behind Raf, me and the Company each day – thank you. My final note is one of appreciation and admiration for the dancers and artists of Sydney Dance Company whose work I have been inspired by consistently for many years. Working alongside Rafael for 12 years has been an honour and a genuine pleasure. We started as colleagues, became a team and remain as dear friends. Thank you Raf. I congratulate Lou Oppenheim on her appointment to the role of Executive Director of Sydney Dance Company and look forward to watching the continued success of the company under her leadership alongside Raf.

Anne Dunn Executive Director