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Dancers unveil what’s in store for 2020

published

29 January 2020

Between performances in Western Sydney to gracing the stage of renowned international venues, our Company dancers have a jam-packed year ahead of national and international touring.

We talked to dancers Emily Seymour, Jacopo Grabar, Chloe Leong and Luke Hayward about leaping into 2020 and their plans for the new year.

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Q. What work are you most excited to perform in 2020 and why?

Emily Seymour: Firstly, the new collaboration with Rafael Bonachela and Bryce Dessner featuring the Australian String Quartet is going to be incredible. Performing with live music on stage is such a special feeling and I’m extremely looking forward to that.

Also, N.N.N.N., a work by William Forsythe. To learn and perform one of his works has always been a dream of mine so I’m extremely looking forward to that process no matter the outcome!

Chloe Leong: I am really looking forward to the rehearsal process of William Forsythe’s work N.N.N.N. Back in 2015, I was fortunate enough to perform in another work by Forsythe, Quintett. It was my first season with Sydney Dance Company and it is still one of my favourite works I have had the chance to perform to date.

I am also very excited to create and perform in Rafael Bonachela’s new work for Season One of 2020, Impermanence, especially as the score will be written by American composer Bryce Dessner. I love Dessner’s scores, as they tend to have an intense emotional element to them, which for me as an artist is a beautiful influence to draw upon.

Jacopo Grabar: I truly am very excited about every single dance work we will create and every choreographer we will get to work with. New interactions and collaborations always teach you something new, but also working with what is considered more ‘familiar’ is a great way to challenge yourself and find new layers and details in your own movement and personality!

Luke Hayward: Even though the cast isn’t set yet, I’m looking forward to Forsythe’s work N.N.N.N. I did a lot of Forsythe Improvisation Technologies while in Europe, so I would look forward to using it again and performing his work.

Chloe Leong in William Forsythe’s ‘Quintett’ (2015). Photo by Pedro Greig.

Become a subscriber to save 15% on tickets plus other special benefits.
● Best seats: Enjoy priority booking so you can renew your favourite seats and book in your year of killer collaborations.
● Behind-the-scenes experiences: Experience the creative process and find out what life is like as a dancer.
● Flexibility: No booking fee and unlimited free ticket exchanges.

Q. What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

Jacopo: Travelling is among the things I value most in life. Touring with Sydney Dance Company is an exciting, fulfilling experience which allows us to visit different places, meet people, experience new cultures and of course, perform in beautiful theatres. I’m looking forward to seeing where 2020 will take us, and where we’ll bring Australian contemporary dance to around the world!

Luke: Starting the new year more settled into Sydney, and knowing a bit more of how Sydney Dance Company works.

Company dancer Luke Hayward. Photo by Pedro Greig.

Q. What are your dreams and aspirations going into 2020?

Chloe: I have an eagerness and desire to surprise myself going into 2020. Meaning, I would like to be challenged, inspired and stimulated in a way that allows me to be transformable, to grow and evolve, and in doing so, trust myself more and more as an artist.

Luke: My goal is to constantly learn new things and to continue to grow as an artist.
 
Emily: Throughout 2020, my goals are to gain as much knowledge as I can from all my colleagues in the room.
 
Jacopo: Coming to Australia and working with Sydney Dance Company have been two big aspirations of mine for a long time, so I believe even just by being here now, I’ve already achieved a lot more than what I expected I would have one year ago.

My next goal would be to go back to study and start building my future after dance. I started dancing professionally when I was 18, so I haven’t had an opportunity to get a university degree. Wish me luck!

Company dancer Emily Seymour. Photo by Pedro Greig.

Q. Lessons you’ve learned for yourself this year in the Company you hope to take into next year?

Chloe: Firstly, being your most authentic self both in and outside the studio is without a doubt the most rewarding. Secondly, it is essential to challenge oneself and to be inspired. I think the best way to do this, is by continuously pursuing the ability to relearn how to learn. An artist can produce movement with integrity and intention from that place of curiosity. Lastly, failure is an intrinsic part of the practice. If you are able to gain from it, or identify its value, then in turn you will succeed.

Luke: To trust the movement I come up with.

Emily: I think a lesson I have learned and have to keep reminding myself everyday is to not judge or compare myself to others. Everyone is individual in their own way and has something special to offer.

Jacopo: During the past 12 months, I was asked to face many different kinds of styles and movements. Even when I felt less compatible with the work, I always had to find a way to overcome my limits and bring my best on stage. Therefore, I would say the main lesson I learned for myself this year with the Company is to always walk in the studio with an open mind and be ready to reset my brain and deal with anything that gets thrown at me!

Become a subscriber to save 15% on tickets plus other special benefits.
● Best seats: Enjoy priority booking so you can renew your favourite seats and book in your year of killer collaborations.
● Behind-the-scenes experiences: Experience the creative process and find out what life is like as a dancer.
● Flexibility: No booking fee and unlimited free ticket exchanges.

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