This is an excerpt of an article featured in the upcoming print issue of Dance Australia. You can purchase copies or subscribe here.
The studios of Sydney Dance Company resonate with the echoes of countless artistic journeys. For five new dancers, Mathilda Ballantyne, Mali Comlekci, Sonrisa Hubbard, Eka Perunicic, and Sam Winkler, that resonance has become their reality. Joining such a prestigious ensemble is a dream, and their experiences, particularly in Rafael Bonachela’s intimate work, Somos, offer a glimpse into the transformative power of dance and the unique challenges and triumphs of stepping into a new artistic chapter.
For Mathilda Ballantyne, the sheer weight of history was palpable from day one. “As I passed the signed posters displayed along the hallway walls, each one a snapshot of work spanning years of artistic journey, I was overwhelmed by how special it felt to be surrounded by it all—to walk the same halls as those who have created these masterpieces,” they recall. It was, they say, “like stepping into a forest of stories.” This sense of legacy is a powerful undercurrent, a reminder of the artistic lineage these dancers are now part of.
The audition process itself is a crucible, testing not just technical prowess but also resilience and adaptability. Mali Comlekci, with his classical background, approached the audition with an open mind. “My mindset going into the audition for Sydney Dance Company was to be myself and stay as authentic as possible,” he explains. “I think this ability to adapt to different movement qualities and approaches may have set me apart in that moment.”
Eka Perunicic faced a different kind of challenge, battling self-doubt. “I distinctly remember an intrusive thought floating through my mind when I received the confirmation of my audition time ‘What’s the point? This is never going to happen…’” she admits. “Luckily, I hushed that loud, negative voice in my head and set the intention to give my all during the three-day audition.” The intensity of the process, she says, ultimately helped her “overcome a lot of self-doubt and fear and just… DANCE.”
Sonrisa Hubbard, equally thrilled and nervous, focused on staying present. “I tried my best to stay present and remember how amazing it was that I was even there,” she says. The physical and full-bodied nature of the repertoire resonated deeply with her. “I loved how full body and physical the repertoire was.”
For Sam Winkler, his first rehearsal cemented the reality of his dream. “Joining Sydney Dance Company is a dream come true for me,” he says. “Our first rehearsal was focused on the opening of Somos. The company works quickly.” He also acknowledges the pressure of meeting the company’s high standards, but emphasises the supportive environment. “I have felt the company has done a really great job of welcoming the new dancers into the company, helping us feel supported as new company members but also turning the studio into a safe space for us to try new things, learn and grow.”
Somos, with its exploration of human connection and intimacy, has provided a unique platform for these dancers to express their artistry. The work, as Mathilda Ballantyne describes, “translates to ‘we are’ from Spanish. Every part of this work feels like that—almost like a love letter to us, to the viewer, and it’s incredibly special to witness and be a part of something that so beautifully encapsulates that essence.”
As these five dancers embark on their journey with Sydney Dance Company, they carry with them the weight of history, the thrill of new beginnings, and the transformative power of dance. Their experiences, captured in the intimate embrace of Somos, are a testament to the enduring magic of artistic expression and the enduring power of human connection.
Find tickets to SOMOS at the Sydney Dance Company Website.