SDC in 2025
Rafael Bonachela and Stephen Page. Photo by Neil Bennett.
Highlights of Sydney Dance Company’s recently announced 2025 season include new works by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, Stephen Page AO and Tra Mi Dinh in a triple-bill Continuum, alongside the return of Somos and the 12th edition of New Breed.
Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela says;
“I’m delighted to reveal the exciting journey we have in store for 2025 – an incredibly beautifully crafted blend of new creations, powerful collaborations, and national and international tours. The opportunity to bring choreographer and dancer, Stephen Page, back to our Company to work with the ensemble and create a new work in response to the music of William Barton is a very special and important moment. This work will be the first time these Australian icons have collaborated, which is such a momentous occasion, and for William to be joined live on stage by the Omega Ensemble makes it all the more special. We were also blown away by Tra Mi Dinh’s captivating piece in the 2023 New Breed program, and this triple bill is the perfect moment to bring this to the mainstage. And by popular demand, we’re proud to bring back Somos, an emotive work performed in the round which breaks down the walls between dancer and audience.”
Season One - Somos
Arts Centre Melbourne, The Show Room: 13 – 23 March 2025
Sydney Dance Company, Neilson Studio: 27 March – 6 April 2025
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 provides unparalleled connection to Company dancers as audiences witness their formidable artistry closer than ever before.
Season Two – Continuum
Roslyn Packer Theatre: 22 October – 1 November 2025
Continuum showcases work by three Australian choreographers. For the first time, Unungkati Yantatja brings together the powerful creative forces of Stephen Page AO with esteemed composer William Barton. Page’s choreography embodies Barton’s songline, calling out to land, sea, sky, and creature, whilst carefully connecting us all to the spirit of our creation breath. Barton will be joined live in performance by the award-winning Omega Ensemble, who commissioned the underlying score.
Originally commissioned as part of New Breed 2023, Tra Mi Dinh's Somewhere between ten and fourteen takes to the mainstage. This work is a study on dusk, illuminating and indulging the transient yet expansive moments between day and night.
Completing the trio, Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela will present a world premiere generously supported by Sydney Dance Company’s Visionary Patron Brett Clegg and the Clegg Foundation with further details to be announced early 2025.
Tra Mi Dinh. Photo by Neil Bennett.
Season Three - New Breed
Carriageworks: 3 - 13 December 2025
Four choreographers, four world premieres. Sydney Dance Company continues to champion the future of dance in 2025, with the return of New Breed. Since its premiere season in 2014, 43 emerging Australian choreographers have created work for this program, showcasing a rich diversity of choreographic ideas.
In December, Sydney Dance Company will commission the 12th cohort of emerging choreographers to create works performed by the ensemble. 2025’s choreographers will be announced mid-year.
International Tour
Twofold
Impermanence – Rafael Bonachela
Love Lock – Melanie Lane
Ljubljana, Slovenia: 2 June 2025
Paris, France: 11-15 June 2025
Further dates to be revealed.
National Tour
momenta
Victoria
Mildura: 30 April
Frankston: 10 May
Geelong: 14-15 May
Tasmania
Hobart: 18-19 July
New South Wales
Newcastle: 6 August
Further dates to be revealed.
Balnaves Artist in Residence
2025 Recipient: Raghav Handa
The Balnaves Foundation Artist in Residence for 2025 is critically acclaimed choreographer and New Breed alumni Raghav Handa.
Now in its second year, this invaluable initiative allows independent choreographers to work across all departments of Sydney Dance Company for one year, exposing recipients to a complete artistic, production and administrative cycle within Australia’s pre-eminent contemporary dance company.
Raghav Handa is a celebrated choreographer and dancer of Indian heritage, whose works have featured in festivals across Australia and internationally.
Club Origami
Sydney Dance Company, Neilson Studio: July 2025
Created for family audiences by Makiko Aoyama, Robert Howat and Takeshi Matsumoto, dance, fashion and live music meet the magic of origami for a spirited and inspiring adventure.
INDance
Sydney Dance Company, Neilson Studio: August 2025
INDance returns for its fourth year in 2025, providing a platform for independent choreographers and creatives to present their work, with the aim of building capacity, improving access and participation across the sector, whilst presenting cutting-edge dance from some of Australia’s foremost choreographic voices.
For more information about SDC’s 2025 season click here.