Performances

Up Close: Somos

March 27 - April 6
Somos
Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company
October 22 - November 1
Continuum
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
December 3 - December 13
New Breed
Carriageworks, Eveleigh

Critics give Up Close: Somos  5-stars!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “an exquisitely beautiful and special experience” – Sydney Arts Guide

★ ★ ★ ★ ★  “There is ‘intimate’ and then there is Somos” – Limelight

Final performances are now SOLD OUT!

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


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Don’t miss Up Close – a never-before-seen season in our Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company featuring Rafael Bonachela’s powerful world premiere Somos.

Meaning “we are” in Spanish, Somos features a cascade of intimate solos, duets and trios with a distinct Spanish flavour. Set to music by powerhouse Hispanic artists and performed in the round, this intimate setting will provide you with unparalleled connection to our Company dancers as you witness their formidable artistry and breathtaking physicality closer than ever before.

Elevate your evening with BAR BOCA, a pop-up tapas bar at Sydney Dance Company serving up the ultimate Spanish experience during our Somos season!

Performance Dates

Wednesday 1 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.30pm (Opening Night – Sold Out)
Thursday 2 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Friday 3 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Saturday 4 Nov – 2.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 5 Nov – 3pm & 5pm

Wednesday 8 Nov – 7.30pm (Chair’s Evening)
Thursday 9 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Friday 10 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Saturday 11 Nov – 2.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm – (5.30pm – Audio Description available)
Sunday 12 Nov – 3pm & 5pm

Additional Performances

Thursday 16 Nov – 6.30pm – (Sold out)
Friday 17 Nov – 7.30pm (Sold out)
Saturday 18 Nov – 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sold out)

Audio Described Performance & Tactile Tour

Audio Described logo

Our Up Close: Somos season offers a Live Audio Described performance and Tactile Tour on Saturday 11 November @ 5.30pm.

4.45pm – Tactile Tour (15-20 mins)
5.30pm – 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.

 

*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 Up Close: Somos Single Tickets are Sydney Dance Company 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.

Chair's Evening


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Up Close: Somos Chair’s Evening

Make a night of it at our very special Chair’s Evening during Up Close: Somos, with an intimate Pre-show Reception hosted by Sydney Dance Company Board Chair, Emma-Jane Newton, and insight into the work from Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with Sydney Dance Company’s family of supporters and friends, while celebrating the season over drinks and canapés.

Wednesday 8 November 2023 
6:30pm: Pre-show Reception at Sydney Dance Company Wharf Studios
7:30pm: Performance in the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company

Chair’s Single Ticket  
$145 (or $130 as a subscription with New Breed Chair’s Evening on Wednesday 13 December)

Chair’s Evening Subscription 
Up Close: Somos and New Breed $210

Ticket price includes the drinks and canapés Reception and your Premium seat in the theatre.

Reviews


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Somos Reviews


★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“… breathtakingly brilliant” – Sydney Arts Guide 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “undeniably thrilling…” – Limelight 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “There is intimate and then there is Somos.” – Limelight 

★ ★ ★ ★ “Striking and sensuous” – Sydney Morning Herald 

★ ★ ★ ★ “It’s all up close and personal, every sinew and muscle in view under Damien Cooper’s masterfully intimate, hazy lighting.” – Sydney Morning Herald 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Bonachela’s company of dancers is, as always, remarkable. It’s revelatory to see them at work at this distance.” – Limelight 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “He [Rafael Bonachela] draws on the spirited dances and songs of his early years and has created an exquisitely beautiful and special experience.” – Sydney Arts Guide 

“Bonachela has the unique ability to transform soulful poesía, into moving sculptures through human movement and artistic collaboration.” – Dance Informa 

Creatives


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Costume & Set Designer: Kelsey Lee
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper

Visitor Safety


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Your comfort and safety are of utmost importance to us and we want to ensure that when you see us perform in the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company it will be an amazing and safe experience.

Please see below for the steps you can take to ensure we all stay safe and enjoy the show!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Box Office team at boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com or +61 2 9221 4811.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Please don’t visit the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company if you feel unwell, have experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms in the past 14 days or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. Err on the side of caution and contact us to arrange an alternative attendance date.

Practice good hand hygiene by cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water in the bathrooms and using the hand sanitising stations throughout the venue.

Download your eTicket and have it ready on your mobile phone for scanning as you enter the theatre.

Practice social distancing while in the venue. Queue where indicated and follow staff instructions.

Observe lift limits and allow less-mobile visitors to use elevators first.

We look forward to welcoming you to the theatre and greatly appreciate your support and cooperation.

+

Info, Dates & Prices


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Don’t miss Up Close – a never-before-seen season in our Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company featuring Rafael Bonachela’s powerful world premiere Somos.

Meaning “we are” in Spanish, Somos features a cascade of intimate solos, duets and trios with a distinct Spanish flavour. Set to music by powerhouse Hispanic artists and performed in the round, this intimate setting will provide you with unparalleled connection to our Company dancers as you witness their formidable artistry and breathtaking physicality closer than ever before.

Elevate your evening with BAR BOCA, a pop-up tapas bar at Sydney Dance Company serving up the ultimate Spanish experience during our Somos season!

Performance Dates

Wednesday 1 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.30pm (Opening Night – Sold Out)
Thursday 2 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Friday 3 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Saturday 4 Nov – 2.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 5 Nov – 3pm & 5pm

Wednesday 8 Nov – 7.30pm (Chair’s Evening)
Thursday 9 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Friday 10 Nov – 6.30pm & 8.15pm
Saturday 11 Nov – 2.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm – (5.30pm – Audio Description available)
Sunday 12 Nov – 3pm & 5pm

Additional Performances

Thursday 16 Nov – 6.30pm – (Sold out)
Friday 17 Nov – 7.30pm (Sold out)
Saturday 18 Nov – 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Sold out)

Audio Described Performance & Tactile Tour

Audio Described logo

Our Up Close: Somos season offers a Live Audio Described performance and Tactile Tour on Saturday 11 November @ 5.30pm.

4.45pm – Tactile Tour (15-20 mins)
5.30pm – 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.

 

*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 Up Close: Somos Single Tickets are Sydney Dance Company 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.

+

Chair's Evening


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Up Close: Somos Chair’s Evening

Make a night of it at our very special Chair’s Evening during Up Close: Somos, with an intimate Pre-show Reception hosted by Sydney Dance Company Board Chair, Emma-Jane Newton, and insight into the work from Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with Sydney Dance Company’s family of supporters and friends, while celebrating the season over drinks and canapés.

Wednesday 8 November 2023 
6:30pm: Pre-show Reception at Sydney Dance Company Wharf Studios
7:30pm: Performance in the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company

Chair’s Single Ticket  
$145 (or $130 as a subscription with New Breed Chair’s Evening on Wednesday 13 December)

Chair’s Evening Subscription 
Up Close: Somos and New Breed $210

Ticket price includes the drinks and canapés Reception and your Premium seat in the theatre.

+

Reviews


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Somos Reviews


★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“… breathtakingly brilliant” – Sydney Arts Guide 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “undeniably thrilling…” – Limelight 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “There is intimate and then there is Somos.” – Limelight 

★ ★ ★ ★ “Striking and sensuous” – Sydney Morning Herald 

★ ★ ★ ★ “It’s all up close and personal, every sinew and muscle in view under Damien Cooper’s masterfully intimate, hazy lighting.” – Sydney Morning Herald 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Bonachela’s company of dancers is, as always, remarkable. It’s revelatory to see them at work at this distance.” – Limelight 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “He [Rafael Bonachela] draws on the spirited dances and songs of his early years and has created an exquisitely beautiful and special experience.” – Sydney Arts Guide 

“Bonachela has the unique ability to transform soulful poesía, into moving sculptures through human movement and artistic collaboration.” – Dance Informa 

+

Creatives


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Costume & Set Designer: Kelsey Lee
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper

+

Visitor Safety


Dates
1 Nov – 18 Nov


Location
Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company


Single Ticket Prices
$35 – $85


Warnings
Theatrical haze, strobe lighting and partial nudity.


Duration
50 minutes

Your comfort and safety are of utmost importance to us and we want to ensure that when you see us perform in the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company it will be an amazing and safe experience.

Please see below for the steps you can take to ensure we all stay safe and enjoy the show!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Box Office team at boxoffice@sydneydancecompany.com or +61 2 9221 4811.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Please don’t visit the Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company if you feel unwell, have experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms in the past 14 days or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. Err on the side of caution and contact us to arrange an alternative attendance date.

Practice good hand hygiene by cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water in the bathrooms and using the hand sanitising stations throughout the venue.

Download your eTicket and have it ready on your mobile phone for scanning as you enter the theatre.

Practice social distancing while in the venue. Queue where indicated and follow staff instructions.

Observe lift limits and allow less-mobile visitors to use elevators first.

We look forward to welcoming you to the theatre and greatly appreciate your support and cooperation.