Overview
Somos, translated as “we are” in Spanish, is a tender and powerful work, featuring a journey through evocative solos, intimate duets and powerful trios – all imbued with a distinctly Spanish essence. Known for his distinctive emotive pairings, Bonachela’s work celebrates the strength and individuality of the dancers, while delving into the compelling dynamics between them.
Performed in the round, this unique setting allows Bonachela to redefine the traditional boundaries between the audience and the Company dancers to showcase their extraordinary artistry and breathtaking physicality. So close, you can palpably feel the dancers’ emotion.
Set to music by powerhouse Hispanic artists, Somos is Bonachela’s love letter to Spain and a celebration of his cultural heritage.
Trailer
Creatives
Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Costume & Set Designer: Kelsey Lee
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Performance History
2025 Performances
Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne
13 – 23 March 2025
Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney
27 March – 13 April 2025
2023 Performances
Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney
1 – 18 November 2023
Media & Audience Reviews
2025 Performances
★ ★ ★ ★ “There are gorgeous duets and ensemble scenes, featuring incandescent, athletic, impeccably timed partnering.” – The Sydney Morning Herald
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “To witness Somos up close is to experience dance in its purest form.” – Bacchus at the Theatre
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Rafael Bonachela’s passionate and ‘most Spanish’ work triumphs in a perfect, intimate setting.” – ArtsHub
★ ★ ★ ★ “undeniable commitment and skill of the dancers and choreography” – Bachtrack
“Melbourne is spoiled with regular visits from Sydney Dance Company” – Australian Stage
“Love is found and lost; people are betrayed. There’s lust, conflict and soft romance.” – Australian Stage
“The force and frailty of the flesh is on full display, as earthy and hotly visceral as a Renaissance fresco.” – The Saturday Paper
“Somos is an extraordinary experience – one that feels tangible, as if the audience is breathing in the very essence of Spain itself.” – Dance Informa
“Eroticism and flamboyance meld in an elaborate display” – The Age
2023 Performances
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “… 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
Information
Overview
Somos, translated as “we are” in Spanish, is a tender and powerful work, featuring a journey through evocative solos, intimate duets and powerful trios – all imbued with a distinctly Spanish essence. Known for his distinctive emotive pairings, Bonachela’s work celebrates the strength and individuality of the dancers, while delving into the compelling dynamics between them.
Performed in the round, this unique setting allows Bonachela to redefine the traditional boundaries between the audience and the Company dancers to showcase their extraordinary artistry and breathtaking physicality. So close, you can palpably feel the dancers’ emotion.
Set to music by powerhouse Hispanic artists, Somos is Bonachela’s love letter to Spain and a celebration of his cultural heritage.
Trailer
Creatives
Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Costume & Set Designer: Kelsey Lee
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Performance History
2025 Performances
Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne
13 – 23 March 2025
Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney
27 March – 13 April 2025
2023 Performances
Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney
1 – 18 November 2023
Media & Audience Reviews
2025 Performances
★ ★ ★ ★ “There are gorgeous duets and ensemble scenes, featuring incandescent, athletic, impeccably timed partnering.” – The Sydney Morning Herald
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “To witness Somos up close is to experience dance in its purest form.” – Bacchus at the Theatre
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Rafael Bonachela’s passionate and ‘most Spanish’ work triumphs in a perfect, intimate setting.” – ArtsHub
★ ★ ★ ★ “undeniable commitment and skill of the dancers and choreography” – Bachtrack
“Melbourne is spoiled with regular visits from Sydney Dance Company” – Australian Stage
“Love is found and lost; people are betrayed. There’s lust, conflict and soft romance.” – Australian Stage
“The force and frailty of the flesh is on full display, as earthy and hotly visceral as a Renaissance fresco.” – The Saturday Paper
“Somos is an extraordinary experience – one that feels tangible, as if the audience is breathing in the very essence of Spain itself.” – Dance Informa
“Eroticism and flamboyance meld in an elaborate display” – The Age
2023 Performances
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “… 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
