Overview
Our tailored school matinees connect students with cutting-edge contemporary dance performances.
With pre-show talks and demonstrations, students will be offered insights into our artists’ creative processes. Students will engage in a post-show panel discussion and Q&A with Company dancers, creatives and arts professionals, developing a deeper understanding of the process of bringing a performance to life and the career pathways available within the performing arts industry.
Ascent | Canberra Theatre Centre | Canberra Theatre Centre |
Ascent | Sydney Opera House | Thur 16 March, 12 – 2pm |
Ascent | Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide | Friday 12 May, 12 – 2pm |
Ascent | Theatre Royal, Hobart | Friday 28 July, 12 - 2pm |
Ascent | Arts Centre Melbourne | Wednesday 30 August, 2-4pm |
Up Close: Somos | Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company | Tuesday 14 November 10.30 - 11.45am or 1 - 2.15pm |
Up Close: Somos | Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company | Wednesday 15 November 10:30–11.45am or 1–2.15pm |
Ascent | Sydney Opera House | Thursday 23 March, 12pm - 1pm |
Sydney Secondary School Matinee bookings can be made here
Sydney Primary School Matinee bookings can be made here
Melbourne Secondary School Matinee bookings can be made here
Fill out our Expressions of Interest Form and the Education Team will be in touch.
Watch this video for further insights into a Sydney Dance Company School Matinee:
Ascent Sydney Matinee
★★★★ “It’s an inventive and adventurous ride… original and evocative.” – TimeOut
We are thrilled to announce our exciting program Ascent for the Season 1 School Matinee performances at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Brimming with physicality, Ascent tempers contemporary classical with futuristic experimentation with innovative works from local and international talents. 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 program is a sensorial delight complete with inventive installations and magnetic musical scores.
Secondary (grade 7-12, tertiary or full-time dance) | $30/student* | Thursday 16 March, 12 – 2pm |
Primary (grade 3 - 6) | $20/student* | Thursday 23 March, 12 - 1pm |
*Schools receive one complimentary teacher ticket for every 20 student tickets purchased.
Secondary School Matinee bookings can be made here
Primary School Matinee bookings can be made here
Fill out our Expressions of Interest Form and the Education Team will be in touch.
The performance of Ascent and accompanying resource pack encourage students to dissect choreographic devices, performance quality, production elements and creative processes. This can be used to enhance delivery of dance curriculum in appreciation and composition components, with the resource pack providing comprehensive behind-the-scenes insight and in-depth tasks to allow for continual analysis of the live performance experience.
Up Close: Somos Matinee
In November 2023, we bring you Up Close, a never-before-seen series in our Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company.
Up Close launches with Somos, a world premiere by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela. Meaning “we are” in Spanish, this new work will feature a cascade of solos, duets and trios with a distinct Latin flavour.
This intimate setting will provide an unparalleled connection to our Company dancers, as your students witness their formidable artistry and breathtaking physicality.
Secondary (grade 7 - 12, tertiary or fulltime dance) | Tuesday 14 November 10.30am - 11.45am and 1.00pm - 2.15pm |
Secondary School Matinee bookings can be made here
The performance of Somos and accompanying resource pack encourage students to dissect choreographic devices, performance quality, production elements and creative processes.
This can be used to enhance delivery of dance curriculum in appreciation and composition components, with the resource pack providing comprehensive behind-the-scenes insight and in-depth tasks to allow for continual analysis of the live performance experience.
Ascent Melbourne Matinee
- Information
- About Ascent
- Matinee Performance
★★★★ “It’s an inventive and adventurous ride… original and evocative.” – TimeOut
Brimming with physicality, Ascent tempers contemporary classical with futuristic experimentation with innovative works from local and international talents.
Full of electric movement and emotional force, Ascent is an arresting portrait of contemporary dance and its potential to move, excite and activate audiences.
Ascent Melbourne Matinee Performance
Secondary (grade 7 - 12, tertiary or fulltime dance) | Wednesday 30 August, 2-4pm |
The matinee performance will be open to secondary school, tertiary, full-time students and general public attendees.
The matinee of Ascent includes pre-show discussions and demonstrations, the performance of Ascent, and a post-show Q&A with artistic staff and dancers.
For more information, visit the Arts Centre Melbourne website.
Workshops
Workshops provide an opportunity for students to develop contemporary dance technique, learn Sydney Dance Company repertoire and explore choreographic and creative ideas through an industry-based lens.
Workshops are delivered to complement curriculum outcomes for performance and composition elements. Workshops can be delivered on the same day as a matinee, subject to studio availability.

Merchandise
If you would like to order Sydney Dance Company merchandise for your school or studio group please fill in and return the below form to [email protected]
at least 48 hours before the matinee or workshop.
We will prepare your order for you to collect at the School Matinee Performance or your In-Studio Workshop.
Child Safety
Sydney Dance Company is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, stable and secure environment for children. We believe that the welfare of children participating in our programs is of the highest priority and we foster practices to support children’s health, developmental needs, self-respect and confidence.You can download our Child Protection Policy and our Values and Expectations for children participating in activities with Sydney Dance Company below.
All teaching staff employed by Sydney Dance Company to work with children and young people hold a current NSW Working With Children Check and agree to abide by our policies and guidelines in relation to working with children.
Should you have any questions or need guidance on how to raise a concern, please don’t hesitate to contact our Child Safe Environment Officer on 02 9258 4800 or [email protected].