Current

Current brings together three world premieres by Raghav Handa, Jenni Large, and Azzam Mohamed, alongside the long-awaited Australian premiere of Rafael Bonachela’s acclaimed E2 7SD. Presented as one continuous experience, the program celebrates four distinct approaches to contemporary dance, revealing the breadth of ideas, movement practices and artistic perspectives shaping the artform.

Created in London in 2004, Rafael Bonachela’s E2 7SD is a landmark duet that marked a pivotal moment in the choreographer’s career. Raghav Handa’s One Song, explores the evolving traditions of contemporary dance, reflecting on how yesterday’s innovations become tomorrow’s foundations. Drawing on his practice rooted in Indian kathak and contemporary movement, Handa takes the pulse of Sydney, a city shaped by rumours, legends, secrets and folklore and channels its gritty, fearless energy into a work that considers where the artform might move next.

In Alpha Mutt Jenni Large examines the seductive mechanics of obedience, power and belonging through the metaphor of the dog. Large creates highly visual choreographic worlds driven by the personal and political forces of the body, drawing on cinematic language, horror, comedy and popular culture. Finally, Azzam Mohamed’s OUR(SELF) explores the relationship between individuality and collective experience. Drawing on a rich movement vocabulary shaped by Afro-House, Kuduro, Hip Hop, Popping and House, Mohamed   brings a dynamic choreographic perspective centred on rhythm, connection and self-expression.

Opening Night: Thursday 3 September, 8.30pm

Season Dates: 3 – 20 September 2026

Wednesday: 7.30pm

Thursday & Friday: 6.30pm & 8.30pm*

Saturday: 5.15pm & 7.30pm

Sunday: 2.00pm & 5.15pm

*No 8.30pm performance on Thursday 10 September.

Chair’s Evening: Wednesday 9 September, 7.30pm.

Relaxed Performance: Thursday 10 September, 6.30pm.

Choreographer Q&A: Following the 5:15pm Performance on Saturday 12 September.

School Matinees: 11am Wednesday 9 September, Thursday 10 September and Wednesday 16 September.

Current will be performed in the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.

Created in London in 2004, Rafael Bonachela’s E2 7SD is a landmark duet that marked a pivotal moment in his career. Named after the East London postcode where Bonachela lived while creating the work, the piece explores the intricate connection between two bodies in motion through a fast-paced and intensely physical exchange. Never before performed in Australia, the award-winning duet makes its Australian premiere as part of Current, bringing one of Bonachela’s most significant works to Australian audiences for the first time.

Choreography: Rafael Bonachela
Composer: Oswaldo Maciá
Lighting Design: Alexander Berlarge
Costume Design: Rafael Bonachela
Costume Design Realisation: Aleisa Jelbert

Yesterday’s avant-garde is today’s tradition and today’s avant-garde is already shifting toward what comes next. One Song  by Raghav Handa honours that tradition with a promise that it will not end! Taking the pulse and vibe of Sydney, the dancers conjure a place thick with rumours, legends, secrets and folklore, driving its gritty fearless energy into the future.

Choreography: Raghav Handa
Composer: James Peter Brown
Lighting Design: Alexander Berlarge
Costume Design: Aleisa Jelbert
Outside eye: Vicki Van Hout

‘An Ode to Sydney Dance’  is a poem authored by Vicki Van Hout that sits alongside the One Song, drawing inspiration from the history of Sydney Dance Company.

Rhythm becomes dogma; repetition becomes belief, and bodies are mobilised by authority, anticipation, and the promise of belonging.

Through the metaphor of the dog — both alpha and subordinate, disciplined and feral – Alpha Mutt explores the seductive mechanics of obedience and dominance.

Caught on a leash between ritual and revolt, the work interrogates how and why rules – social and choreographic – are shaped, performed, and obeyed.

Choreography: Jenni Large
Composer: Louis-Frere Harvey
Lighting Design: Alexander Berlarge
Costume Design: Aleisa Jelbert

Inspired by spaces where music, movement, and self-expression bring people together, OUR(SELF) explores the relationship between individuality and collective experience. Built collaboratively with the dancers, the work embraces difference as a source of connection, rhythm, and shared energy.

Choreography: Azzam Mohamed
Composer: Jack Prest
Lighting Design: Alexander Berlarge
Costume Design: Aleisa Jelbert

Rafael Bonachela is a Choreographer, Artistic Director and Curator whose career has seen him successfully span high art and popular culture, working across a range of art forms, including contemporary dance, art installations, pop concerts, musicals, film, commercials and fashion.

Bonachela was born in La Garriga near Barcelona where he began his early dance training before moving to London to join the legendary Rambert Dance Company where he danced from 1992 to 2004.

In 2008, Rafael premiered his first full-length production, 360° for Sydney Dance Company. Less than six months later he was appointed Artistic Director, making international headlines and heralding a new era in Australian contemporary dance. His vision for the Company embraces a guiding principle that sees commissioned dance works by Australian and international choreographers alongside his own critically acclaimed creations.

Bonachela’s work is strong, sober and sharp. The exploration of pure movement is where he finds his unmistakable style. The result is an incandescent dance that springs from the power of movement, in which energy and muscle strength combine with a great emotional sensitivity.

Raghav Handa is a celebrated choreographer and dancer. Over the last decade, he has built a body of work focusing on the themes of power and exploitation from diverse perspectives. Central to his practice is a deep commitment to exploring new conceptual terrain with bravery, innovation, and cultural integrity. With theatrical flamboyance, he employs diverse artistic media to create worlds rich with surreal imagery and symbolism.

Raghav’s works have been commissioned by contemporary dance companies, festivals, art galleries and performance houses across Australia and Internationally.

Jenni Large is an independent dancer, teacher, and award-winning choreographer/director based in Northern Lutruwita/Tasmania.

Her practice spans over 15 years across Australia and internationally, performing across Europe, the UK, Aotearoa New Zealand, the Americas, Japan, and Singapore with companies such as Dancenorth, Tasdance and Legs On The Wall.

Influenced by cinematic tropes and hyper-aesthetics, she creates visually striking choreographic worlds that interrogate patriarchal systems, celebrate women, and challenge sexual stigma.

Her works include Body Body Commodity, Phantom Femme Fatale, and Wet Hard Long, the latter receiving a Green Room Award nomination for Best Visual Design and a nomination for the Rose International Dance Prize at Sadler’s Wells, London. Jenni is a recipient of the 2022 Chloé Munro Fellowship and has created commissioned works for Australian Dance Theatre (Faraway), Sydney Dance Company (New Breed and PPY), Lucy Guerin Inc (Pieces), Australasian Dance Collective, WAAPA, and others.

She is currently the Balnaves Artist in Residence at Sydney Dance Company.

Azzam Mohamed, originally from Sudan and now based on Gadigal Land, is a choreographer blending street, club, and African dance forms. His choreographic debut, Two Crews (2020), directed by Nick Power, premiered at Sydney and Adelaide Festivals, merging his Riddim Nation crew with Paris’ Lady Rocks.

In 2021 Azzam co-created The Risk of Hyperbole with Jack Prest, commissioned by Phoenix Central Park and supported by major Australian arts bodies. Their collaboration continued with MONUMENTAL (2022) at the Art Gallery of NSW and the Sydney Festival (2023).

Azzam’s recent works include GLAD (2023) for ReadyMade Works, Sculptured Riddims (2024) at Sydney Festival, and Echo Mapping, a duet with Prest. He premiered his first full-length work Katma at Sydney Festival in 2025, co-created with diverse dance artists and commissioned by the Major Festivals Initiative.

In 2026 Sydney Dance Company offers an under 25’s ticket price of just $35 for select performances!

Join us for an intimate reception during each of our Sydney seasons, hosted by Emma-Jane Newton, Chair of the Sydney Dance Company Board. This special event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the creative team, connect with the Sydney Dance Company community, and enjoy drinks and canapés with fellow supporters.

Ticket price – $135, which includes
– Premium seat(s) in the theatre
– Invitation-only reception with insights from the creative team over drinks and canapés

Wednesday 9 September 2026
Sydney Dance Company
Pre-show reception at 6.30pm in the Sydney Dance Company foyer
Performance at 7.30pm in the Neilson Studio

Become more involved with Sydney Dance Company. This is an ideal way to entertain your clients who will enjoy an unforgettable experience. Join our Chair’s Club or contact philanthropy@sydneydancecompany.com

Sydney Dance Company are running special programming during the season of Current, creating opportunities for experienced dancers to join a workshop run by three of our Current choreographers Raghav Handa, Jenni Large, and Azzam Mohamed.

You’ll be able to gain insight into their creative process, explore their distinctive choreographic styles and deepen your movement practice.

These level 3 workshops are suitable for participants with extended experience, professional artists, fulltime students and ex-professional dancers.

See below for each workshop description and booking details.

Each workshop is priced at $65, however everyone who purchases a ticket to Current will receive a code to take $10 off the workshop price.

Monday 7 September, 1:30-4:30pm 
This workshop explores contemporary movement practices that emphasise flow, endurance and sensitivity. Through guided improvisation, choreographic phrase work and a strong floor-based movement vocabulary, participants will engage with Jenni’s choreographic style, shaped by musicality and a playful, collaborative approach.

Tuesday 8 September, 1:30-4:30pm.
Raghav will introduce participants to his creative process, exploring the choreographic methods he uses to build worlds rich in symbolism, surreal imagery and sound. Through a dynamic warm-up, improvisation and task-based composition, participants will generate their own movement material while gaining insight into his approach. The workshop also includes repertoire from his recent works, offering practical context and a deeper understanding of his choreographic language.

Monday 14 September, 1:30-4:30pm
The Freestyle Lab is an open workshop for experienced dancers from any dance background. The workshop explores ideas, principles and creative processes that invite dancers to question, experiment and develop their own movement practice.

Drawing from the foundational elements of club and street dance forms -The Bounce, Rock and Groove- we will investigate how music, rhythm and our own unique bodies influence the way movement is experienced and expressed. These foundations become a gateway to exploring texture, dynamics, range, character, feeling and presence.

Throughout the workshop, we will engage in discussions, practical drills, partner and group work, and lots of dancing. We’ll test ideas through freestyle and improvisation, using a wide range of musical genres to encourage different ways of listening, responding and moving.

A central aim of the workshop is to develop a deeper understanding of the difference between form and style, and how recognising that distinction can expand both creative freedom and artistic expression.

Date: Thursday 10 September, 6.30pm

The Relaxed Performance offers a more flexible and supportive theatre environment. It may be particularly beneficial for autistic people, people with sensory processing differences, people with intellectual disability, neurodivergent people, and anyone who prefers a more relaxed performance experience.

The performance you will experience is the same artistic work presented to all audiences. A Relaxed Performance focuses on creating a more flexible theatre environment and providing information in advance, allowing audience members to prepare for moments that may be experienced differently by people with sensory processing differences and engage with the work in the way that is right for them.

What to expect at this Relaxed Performance of Current:

– Front of House staff will be available to welcome you, answer questions and provide support throughout your visit.
– Before the performance begins, a member of the Sydney Dance Company team will provide a brief welcome, introducing the accessible features available during the performance and letting you know what to expect throughout your visit.
– You are welcome to leave and re-enter the theatre at any time during the performance.
– Low-level lighting will remain on in the auditorium, making it easier to move safely if you need to.
– Flexible seating options will be available and audience members are welcome to move, make noise, use comfort items or respond naturally during the performance.
– A dedicated quiet space will be available if you would like to take a break at any time.
– A Visual Story will be available before your visit to help you prepare for the performance. It includes information about travelling to the venue, entering the theatre, what to expect from the performance, content information, and moments that may be experienced differently by people with sensory processing differences, allowing you to make informed choices about your experience.

For this Relaxed Performance, some production elements have been adjusted to create a more comfortable sensory environment. Sudden loud noises and lighting effects have been softened where possible. The performance may still include coloured stage lighting. Details of these moments are outlined in the Visual Story, and some may also be identified during the performance to help audience members prepare and make informed choices about their experience.

The Visual Story will be emailed to ticket holders.

Please note: This is a general admission performance. Seating is unallocated.

Sunday 13 September
1.15pm – Tactile Tour (15-20 mins)
2pm – Audio Described Performance

4.30pm – Tactile Tour (15-20 mins)
5:15pm – 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.

If you are interested in this service, please contact Michael Sieders – michaels@sydneydancecompany.com.

Dates: TBC

Haptic Enhanced Performances provide an additional access service for Deaf and hard of hearing audience members, offering a new way to experience the music and soundscape of a performance through wearable haptic technology.

Audience members using this service will wear a lightweight haptic vest that converts elements of the music and sound into vibrations felt across the body. The technology complements the visual performance, helping audiences connect with the rhythm, dynamics and atmosphere of the work.

Our staff will assist with fitting the vest before the performance, and we recommend arriving 45 minutes early. As the number of haptic vests is limited, advance booking is essential.

If you are interested in booking a haptic vest or would like to discuss your access requirements,

If you are interested in this service, please contact Michael Sieders, Associate Producer – michaels@sydneydancecompany.com.

Sydney Dance Company is an affiliate of the NSW Government’s Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care’s Companion Card program. Support persons receive a ticket to performances and public classes when accompanying a Companion Card holder.

Please call +61 2 9221 4811 or email boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com to book a performance ticket.

Wheelchair access into Sydney Dance Company is via the main entrance located on Hickson Road. There is accessible parking available on Hickson Road and the exact location of these parks can be seen on City of Sydney’s Access and Inclusion map.

If you require wheelchair seating, please contact Sydney Dance Company Box Office at:
Phone: +61 2 9221 4811
Email: boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com

Our school matinees introduce students to cutting-edge contemporary dance with valuable learning opportunities.

– Pre-show talks and demonstrations provide insight into the creative process.
– Post-show panels and Q&As with dancers, creatives, and arts professionals deepen understanding of performance-making and highlight career pathways in the arts.

Secondary School Matinees:
11am Wednesday 9 September, Thursday 10 September and Wednesday 16 September.

For more details, visit our Schools page or complete an Expressions of Interest Form and our Education Team will be in touch.

Current will be performed at Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company.

How to get there
Public transport is the best way to get to Sydney Dance Company. Barangaroo metro station is the closest public transport hub.

Train & Metro
Sydney Dance Company is a short, 8-minute walk from Barangaroo metro station or a 15-minute walk from Circular Quay and Wynyard train stations.

Bus services
Buses 324 and 325 run from the CBD to the precinct, with stops just outside the Studios. For details please visit  Transport NSW or telephone 131 500.

Parking
While on-street metered parking is available at the precinct, we recommend parking at the following parking stations located along Hickson Road:
● Bond One, 26 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
● Barangaroo Point Car Park, entry via Hickson Road
● Barangaroo Reserve, 5 Towns Place, Barangaroo

More Information
For more information about the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company, please contact our Box Office via phone 9221 4811 or email at boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com. 

A company
Seeded to hoist up the lower 
echelon(s)
Through movement attributed to the lineages of the silver spoon 
born
However, this housing harbouring hoofers amongst them 
All
some would say enjoyed its
Genesis original
In an abode near to chocolate
but nearer still
Aligning itself with the cause 
seminal
To emergent fighters fighting for freedoms 
To come out from the shadows and into light thrown by the mirror
ball 

Departing Paddo and
Onward to the loo starting with W
Where night walkers mingled betwixt 
trans and cross
Dressers
Consuming the same oxygen as wharf
Labourers and sailors and traders
of 
fast cars
To the place where it now sits
In three/ four of six 
on Hicks
On 
the water
And like its First Nations neighbour 
Work it’s had done 
some
A lick of paint
A new studio
And a new theatrette has been added
On
to hide its proletariat
Floating foundations
Up 
Upon
And whereby 
It made a bold splash
Now gone 
two score
Garnering the world’s 
attention 

But where to now one may well ask
For the place where so many dreams are forged
In shimmies, sways, swirls, twirls pirouettes and more than a little attitude
From every inch of the city,
and from the burbs, the outskirts
of the countryside and yes even from other sovereignties 
Like the times changing with increasing rapidity
And so it must be 
But where-to do we move onwards towards? 

‘An Ode to Sydney Dance’  is a poem authored by Vicki Van Hout that sits alongside One Song by Raghav Handa, drawing inspiration from the history of Sydney Dance Company.