Performances

Ascent – Melbourne Season

October 22 - November 1
Continuum
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
December 3 - December 13
New Breed
Carriageworks, Eveleigh

★★★★ “an inventive and adventurous ride…original and evocative” – TimeOut (Forever & Ever)

Tickets from $45 – $100

Repertoire Archive

2024

Love Lock
Choreography / Melanie Lane
Inspired by the power of love stories, Melanie Lane’s bold new work Love Lock deconstructs love songs to create a folk dance that celebrates the fantasies and realities of love.
Duration: 25 minutes
momenta – Contemporary Dance Work
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
A journey into the poetry and physicality of human bonds.
Duration: 75 minutes

2023

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird
Choreography / Marina Mascarell
This piece poses many questions: the body's meaning and its capacity to transform; the relationship with technology, and the connection with nature.
Duration: 26 minutes
I Am-Ness
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Somos
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
Meaning “we are” in Spanish, Somos features a cascade of intimate solos, duets and trios with a distinct Spanish flavour.
Duration: 50 minutes

2022

Summer
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
An uplifting new work from Rafael Bonachela, capturing the lightness and positivity of new beginnings. With a score by Australian composer Kate Moore, recorded by the Australian String Quartet and striking costumes by the masters of colour Romance Was Born, Summer will have your spirits soaring.
Duration: 16 minutes
The Universe is Here
Choreography / Stephanie Lake
Fusing movement and music, The Universe is Here brings blistering light to the stage and a fizzing glimpse of a haunted dreamscape. Poetic, fresh and forceful, Stephanie Lake's work is intricate and dynamic dance that hits you in the solar plexus.
Duration: 35 minutes

2021

Impermanence
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
A visceral and thrilling exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation, this full-length work features a new score full of emotional power from Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner performed in association with the Australian String Quartet.
Duration: 65 minutes

2020

Cuatro
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
Four dancers. Four musicians. Four Films.
Duration: 14 minutes

2019

Us 50
Choreography / Gideon Obarzanek
Us 50 is a grand-scale work by Gideon Obarzanek featuring 50 performers made up of past dancers that have graced our stage, current Company dancers, and members of our community.
Duration: 40 minutes
Neon Aether
Choreography / Gabrielle Nankivell
Gabrielle Nankivell’s premiere, Neon Aether, is a theatrical adventure into the infinite unknown. Inspired by science fiction and outer space, audiences will be transported into a vivid, ethereal world beyond the clouds.
Duration: 25 minutes
Cinco
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
Be moved by a “dazzling technical display of flexibility” (★★★★, Sydney Morning Herald) in the world premiere of Rafael Bonachela’s Cinco. Watch “elastic dynamic dancing” (The Daily Telegraph) from our award-winning dancers, in delicate costumes by revered fashion designer Bianca Spender, set to Alberto Ginastera’s soaring String Quartet No.2.
Duration: 26 minutes

2018

ab [intra] – Contemporary Dance Work
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
ab [intra],​ meaning ‘from within’ in Latin is ‘an exploration of our primal instincts, our impulses and our visceral responses’, says choreographer Rafael Bonachela. From tenderness to turmoil, ​ab [intra]​ is a journey of intense human existence that will command your attention.
Duration: 70 minutes
Forever & Ever
Choreography / Antony Hamilton
Set to a sonically stimulating score by The Presets’ Julian Hamilton, Forever & Ever fuses together a killer mix of dance, techno, high fashion and vivid lighting to hypnotic effect.
Duration: 36 minutes

2017

Ocho
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
Explosive and powerful, Ocho, is "sexy, athletic choreography…" (Time Out Sydney), showcasing the dancers' virtuosity. Fusing a brutalist industrial dreamscape with a surging electronic score by Nick Wales that features haunting vocals by Aboriginal singer ​Rrawun Maymuru​ of the Mangalili clan, ​Ocho explores​ the infinite connections that exist between us all.
Duration: 40 minutes
Full Moon
Choreography / Cheng Tsung-lung
Cheng Tsung-lung's Full Moon harnesses the power of the moon and the mythology and poetry of mankind to thrilling effect.
Duration: 38 minutes
WOOF
Choreography / Melanie Lane
WOOF​ generates variations of collective actions that speak from matters of the heart. In an imagined physical future, stealing from classical dances, romantic paintings and pop culture, a re-invention of community takes place. In dialogue with Clark’s bold musical score, ​WOOF​ relentlessly forges a duality of instability and empowerment, harnessing the fantasy of a post-human collective spirit.
Duration: 20 minutes

2016

Lux Tenebris
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
Lux Tenebris​ explores light and darkness with fiercely physical movement and deep, electronic beats by composer Nick Wales.
Duration: 40 minutes

2015

Frame of Mind
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
Frame of Mind features a dramatic contemporary-classical soundtrack by Bryce Dessner (from American hit rock band The National), recorded by San Francisco’s virtuosic Kronos Quartet. ​Frame of Mind w​on four Helpmann Awards in 2015 – Best Choreography, Best Dance Work, Best Male Dancer and Best Female Dancer – in its critically acclaimed premiere season.
Duration: 35 minutes

2014

Wildebeest
Choreography / Gabrielle Nankivell
Gabrielle Nankivell’s eloquent creation, Wildebeest, showcases the power of dancers as individuals and strength en masse. Moody and animalistic, it’s backed by a stormy and industrial score by Luke Smiles.
Duration: 30 minutes

2010

6 Breaths
Choreography / Rafael Bonachela
Since the 2010 premiere of Rafael Bonachela’s award-winning 6 Breaths the work has toured to New York, London, Barcelona, the Venice Biennale in Italy and the prestigious Movimentos Festival in Germany. A symphony of dance, music by Italian composer Ezio Bosso and costume design by Josh Goot, this emotive work will take your breath away.
Duration: 40 minutes

Info, Dates & Prices


Date 29 August – 2 September


Location   ACM Playhouse, Melbourne


Prices $45 – $100

Ascent co-commissioned by the Canberra Theatre Centre is an inspired triple bill featuring the reprise of Antony Hamilton’s Helpmann Award-winning Forever & Ever, and world premieres by renowned international choreographers Marina Mascarell and Rafael Bonachela.

Brimming with physicality, Ascent tempers contemporary classical with futuristic experimentation. Full of electric movement and emotional force, Ascent is an arresting portrait of contemporary dance and its potential to move, excite and activate audiences.

Brought to life by Sydney Dance Company’s superb ensemble, this triple bill is complete with inventive installations and magnetic musical scores.

Performances

Tuesday 29 August, 7.30pm

Wednesday 30 August, 7.30pm

Thursday 31 August, 7.30pm

Friday 1 September, 7.30pm

Saturday 2 September, 2.00pm – (Audio Description available)

Saturday 2 September, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance & Tactile Tour

Audio Described logo

Our Ascent season offers a Live Audio Described performance and Tactile Tour on Saturday 2 September @ 2.00pm.

1.15pm – Tactile Tour (15-20 mins)
2pm – Audio Described Performance

Audio description and tactile tour services are to enhance the experience of customers who are blind or have low vision.

The audio description is a live commentary of the visual elements of a performance by trained audio describers, relayed via a free headset and receiver linked to the FM radio system within the venue.

The tactile tour is available prior to the performance. Patrons who are blind or have low vision will experience hands on access to some costumes, props and stage elements in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. Our Sydney Dance Company staff will relay the context of each piece and how it is used in the performance.

Book online, call 02 9221 4811 or email boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com.

Prices
TypePremium / A ResB Res
Adult$100 / $89.00$65
Concession $100 / $79$55
Under 30s$100 / $69 $45
Groups (8 or more) 10% off Adult$90 / $80.10 $45

Follow @SydneyDanceCo #2023SDC and #SDCOnTour on Facebook and Instagram.

*Concession tickets are only valid for Australian Pensioners, Senior Card holders and Full-Time Students.

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket seller for Annual Subscriptions is Sydney Dance Company.
The only authorised ticket sellers for Ascent Single Tickets are Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Opera House and Today Tix. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. In accordance with Terms and Conditions, Sydney Dance Company reserves the right to cancel tickets purchased from a Third Party Website (reseller) and the ticket holder may be refused admission to the event. For more information on purchasing tickets safely and securely, read Live Performance Australia’s Safe Tix Guide here.

School Matinee

School Matinee

The matinee performance on Wednesday 30 August will include a post-show panel discussion and Q&A with Company dancers, creatives and arts professionals giving an insight into the creative process of bringing the performance to life.

Secondary (Grade 7 - 12)Tickets - $30 Wed 30 Aug, 2.00pm

If you have any questions, please contact Sydney Dance Company at education@sydneydancecompany.com.

I Am-ness

Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Music: “Lonely angel”, meditation for violin and strings by Pēteris Vasks
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Costume Designer: Rafael Bonachela
Costume Design Realisation: Aleisa Jelbart

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird

Choreographer: Marina Mascarell
Composer: Nick Wales
Set & Costume Designers: Lauren Brincat and Leah Giblin
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper

Forever & Ever


Choreographer
Antony Hamilton
ComposerJulian Hamilton
Costume Design: Paula Levis
Lighting Designer: Ben Cisterne

 

Ascent Reviews

 

★★★★ “poignant choreography… a must-watch for the curious.”Sydney Morning Herald

“an evening of challenging, perfectly executed and deeply satisfying contemporary dance” – Australian Arts Review

“Bold, emotive and visceral, Ascent is a must-see for lovers of dance.”Arts Hub

“Ascent is a sumptuous combination of choreography, music, movement, and light. Joyous and engaging, Bonachela has brought together three diverging contemporary pieces that showcase the immense depth of talent at Sydney Dance Company. A must see.”Fjord Review

“Make no mistake, this is a serious contemporary dance company with highly trained, versatile dancers that deserves a place on the world stage. Do not miss the chance to see this accomplished company that will no doubt take the world by storm.”The Wonderful World of Dance

I Am-Ness - Rafael Bonachela

 

★★★★ “The dancers break apart then come together in Bonachela’s signature waves of sinuous movement, their relationships always in flux.” Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “15 minutes of bodies, light and music connecting in quiet harmony”Limelight

★★★★ “Bonachela’s choreographic response puts aside fear and goes for the loving touch as four dancers – Riley Fitzgerald, Madeline Harms, Naiara de Matos and Piran Scott – are joined by invisible forces, rarely separating as they glide, float and weave around one another.”Limelight

“… (I Am-ness)… is extraordinarily lyrical, filled with unexpected movements across every area of the body, and composed of groupings that break up and then come together in different arrangements throughout the work. It was beautifully performed by Riley Fitzgerald, Madeline Harms, Piran Scott and Naiara de Matos.”Dance Australia

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird - Marina Mascarell

 

★★★★ “This is Mascarell’s first Australian production, and her choreography is a novel treat: organic, inventive, and teetering on that whimsical border between humanoid, animal, and inert. A must-watch for the curious.”Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Seven dancers pull on ropes and manipulate the fabric, bringing to mind at different stages sailors on an ancient ship, campers in the wilderness and perhaps survivors somewhere on a distant planet.” Limelight

“Mascarell offered a strikingly beautiful abstract staging involving acres of ropes and fabric manipulated by 9 dancers to create, what appeared to be, a storm at sea.”Australian Arts Review

“…Mascarell’s gentle and patient choreography results in a dance work that is like watching a painting in motion.”Dance Life

“Cleverly supported by Nick Wales’ superb score, the stage is a visual delight. There is a sense we are watching the sails of a whimsical ship. As the dancers pull and push the ropes, the silk banners rise and fall, creating visual magic.”Fjord Review

Forever & Ever - Antony Hamilton

 

★★★★ “…the visually arresting aesthetic – a stark white set like a photoshoot, bold block-coloured costumes, strobes, and that unforgiving loop soundtrack – makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a music video.” Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Hamilton’s background in commercial dance is a strength for this vision, with the choreography intensifying to a pounding, in-your-face rhythmic complexity before the rave-inspired laser-light finale.” Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Hamilton’s super-precise, high-definition choreography captures the cool of pop-culture along with its blank-faced conformity.”Limelight

“aggressive, startling and completely mesmerising” (Forever & Ever)  – Australian Arts Review

“… Hamilton’s engrossing Forever & Ever… extraordinary”Dance Australia

+

Info, Dates & Prices


Date 29 August – 2 September


Location   ACM Playhouse, Melbourne


Prices $45 – $100

Ascent co-commissioned by the Canberra Theatre Centre is an inspired triple bill featuring the reprise of Antony Hamilton’s Helpmann Award-winning Forever & Ever, and world premieres by renowned international choreographers Marina Mascarell and Rafael Bonachela.

Brimming with physicality, Ascent tempers contemporary classical with futuristic experimentation. Full of electric movement and emotional force, Ascent is an arresting portrait of contemporary dance and its potential to move, excite and activate audiences.

Brought to life by Sydney Dance Company’s superb ensemble, this triple bill is complete with inventive installations and magnetic musical scores.

Performances

Tuesday 29 August, 7.30pm

Wednesday 30 August, 7.30pm

Thursday 31 August, 7.30pm

Friday 1 September, 7.30pm

Saturday 2 September, 2.00pm – (Audio Description available)

Saturday 2 September, 7.30pm

Audio Described Performance & Tactile Tour

Audio Described logo

Our Ascent season offers a Live Audio Described performance and Tactile Tour on Saturday 2 September @ 2.00pm.

1.15pm – Tactile Tour (15-20 mins)
2pm – Audio Described Performance

Audio description and tactile tour services are to enhance the experience of customers who are blind or have low vision.

The audio description is a live commentary of the visual elements of a performance by trained audio describers, relayed via a free headset and receiver linked to the FM radio system within the venue.

The tactile tour is available prior to the performance. Patrons who are blind or have low vision will experience hands on access to some costumes, props and stage elements in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. Our Sydney Dance Company staff will relay the context of each piece and how it is used in the performance.

Book online, call 02 9221 4811 or email boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com.

Prices
Type: Adult
Premium / A Res: $100 / $89.00
B Res: $65
Type: Concession
Premium / A Res: $100 / $79
B Res: $55
Type: Under 30s
Premium / A Res: $100 / $69
B Res: $45
Type: Groups (8 or more) 10% off Adult
Premium / A Res: $90 / $80.10
B Res: $45

Follow @SydneyDanceCo #2023SDC and #SDCOnTour on Facebook and Instagram.

*Concession tickets are only valid for Australian Pensioners, Senior Card holders and Full-Time Students.

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket seller for Annual Subscriptions is Sydney Dance Company.
The only authorised ticket sellers for Ascent Single Tickets are Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Opera House and Today Tix. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. In accordance with Terms and Conditions, Sydney Dance Company reserves the right to cancel tickets purchased from a Third Party Website (reseller) and the ticket holder may be refused admission to the event. For more information on purchasing tickets safely and securely, read Live Performance Australia’s Safe Tix Guide here.

+

School Matinee

School Matinee

The matinee performance on Wednesday 30 August will include a post-show panel discussion and Q&A with Company dancers, creatives and arts professionals giving an insight into the creative process of bringing the performance to life.

Secondary (Grade 7 - 12)
Tickets - $30
Wed 30 Aug, 2.00pm

If you have any questions, please contact Sydney Dance Company at education@sydneydancecompany.com.

+

Creative Credits

I Am-ness

Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Music: “Lonely angel”, meditation for violin and strings by Pēteris Vasks
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Costume Designer: Rafael Bonachela
Costume Design Realisation: Aleisa Jelbart

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird

Choreographer: Marina Mascarell
Composer: Nick Wales
Set & Costume Designers: Lauren Brincat and Leah Giblin
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper

Forever & Ever


Choreographer
Antony Hamilton
ComposerJulian Hamilton
Costume Design: Paula Levis
Lighting Designer: Ben Cisterne

 

+

Media

Ascent Reviews

 

★★★★ “poignant choreography… a must-watch for the curious.”Sydney Morning Herald

“an evening of challenging, perfectly executed and deeply satisfying contemporary dance” – Australian Arts Review

“Bold, emotive and visceral, Ascent is a must-see for lovers of dance.”Arts Hub

“Ascent is a sumptuous combination of choreography, music, movement, and light. Joyous and engaging, Bonachela has brought together three diverging contemporary pieces that showcase the immense depth of talent at Sydney Dance Company. A must see.”Fjord Review

“Make no mistake, this is a serious contemporary dance company with highly trained, versatile dancers that deserves a place on the world stage. Do not miss the chance to see this accomplished company that will no doubt take the world by storm.”The Wonderful World of Dance

I Am-Ness - Rafael Bonachela

 

★★★★ “The dancers break apart then come together in Bonachela’s signature waves of sinuous movement, their relationships always in flux.” Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “15 minutes of bodies, light and music connecting in quiet harmony”Limelight

★★★★ “Bonachela’s choreographic response puts aside fear and goes for the loving touch as four dancers – Riley Fitzgerald, Madeline Harms, Naiara de Matos and Piran Scott – are joined by invisible forces, rarely separating as they glide, float and weave around one another.”Limelight

“… (I Am-ness)… is extraordinarily lyrical, filled with unexpected movements across every area of the body, and composed of groupings that break up and then come together in different arrangements throughout the work. It was beautifully performed by Riley Fitzgerald, Madeline Harms, Piran Scott and Naiara de Matos.”Dance Australia

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird - Marina Mascarell

 

★★★★ “This is Mascarell’s first Australian production, and her choreography is a novel treat: organic, inventive, and teetering on that whimsical border between humanoid, animal, and inert. A must-watch for the curious.”Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Seven dancers pull on ropes and manipulate the fabric, bringing to mind at different stages sailors on an ancient ship, campers in the wilderness and perhaps survivors somewhere on a distant planet.” Limelight

“Mascarell offered a strikingly beautiful abstract staging involving acres of ropes and fabric manipulated by 9 dancers to create, what appeared to be, a storm at sea.”Australian Arts Review

“…Mascarell’s gentle and patient choreography results in a dance work that is like watching a painting in motion.”Dance Life

“Cleverly supported by Nick Wales’ superb score, the stage is a visual delight. There is a sense we are watching the sails of a whimsical ship. As the dancers pull and push the ropes, the silk banners rise and fall, creating visual magic.”Fjord Review

Forever & Ever - Antony Hamilton

 

★★★★ “…the visually arresting aesthetic – a stark white set like a photoshoot, bold block-coloured costumes, strobes, and that unforgiving loop soundtrack – makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a music video.” Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Hamilton’s background in commercial dance is a strength for this vision, with the choreography intensifying to a pounding, in-your-face rhythmic complexity before the rave-inspired laser-light finale.” Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Hamilton’s super-precise, high-definition choreography captures the cool of pop-culture along with its blank-faced conformity.”Limelight

“aggressive, startling and completely mesmerising” (Forever & Ever)  – Australian Arts Review

“… Hamilton’s engrossing Forever & Ever… extraordinary”Dance Australia

Featuring works


I Am-Ness

Choreography

Rafael Bonachela

Duration

15 mins

First performed

15 March 2023

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.

The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird

Choreography

Marina Mascarell

Duration

26 mins

First performed

15 March 2023

This piece poses many questions: the body's meaning and its capacity to transform; the relationship with technology, and the connection with nature.

Forever & Ever

Choreography

Antony Hamilton

Duration

36 mins

First performed

2018

Set to a sonically stimulating score by The Presets’ Julian Hamilton, Forever & Ever fuses together a killer mix of dance, techno, high fashion and vivid lighting to hypnotic effect.