“I will create a group of dancers who will be unique. A group who will inspire choreographers and make them want to work with us. It’s about blossoming and opening up … rebirth.”

RAFAEL BONACHELA, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

“…beautifully controlled and engrossingly effective … creative precision and exhilarating energy.”

JILL SYKES, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Overview

The 2009 appointment of Rafael Bonachela as Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company has given birth to a new era in Australian contemporary dance. Rafael’s first commissioned work as a guest choreographer with the Company was 360° in 2008. Since that time he has premiered we unfold, his first work following his appointment as Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company.

The Company was led from 1976 – 2007 by Artistic Director Graeme Murphy and Associate Director Janet Vernon. Following the death of newly appointed Director Tanya Liedtke in 2007, Sydney Dance Company spent time to find a new Artistic Director to lead the Company on a new journey of excellence..

Following the premiere of We Unfold and after a multi-city Australian tour of Rafael Bonachela’s 360° including appearances at the Christchurch International Festival, Rafael and the Company will present the world premiere of Mercury, a commissioned work from Finnish born choreographer Kenneth Kvarnstrom,who will make his Australian choreographic debut at the Sydney Theatre in Walsh Bay from November 17 – 28.

Background

Sydney Dance Company has its origins in a company founded in 1969 by dancer Suzanne Musitz. In the early 1970s, the organisation came of age as The Dance Company (NSW) and began to receive annual government funding along with a notable growth in stature and public support. In 1975-1976 the Company was directed by Dutch choreographer Jaap Flier, before the appointment of Australian choreographer Graeme Murphy in November 1976. In 1979 Murphy and Vernon instituted the defining name change to Sydney Dance Company.

Sydney Dance Company’s headquarters are located at The Wharf, Pier 4, in Sydney’s busy arts precinct at Walsh Bay where other arts companies, such as Bangarra Dance Theatre, Carnivale, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and ATYP, are also located. Sydney Dance Company gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australia Council, the Federal Government’s arts funding and advisory body, through the Major Performing Arts Board; the New South Wales Government through the Ministry for the Arts; and the invaluable support received from its sponsors, company supporters and partners.