Sydney Dance Company Announce Bold Program For 2026 Seasons
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The Sydney Dance Company have announced their two seasons for 2026, introducing both new and returning talents.
Founded in 1969, the Sydney Dance Company ensemble of 17 dancers has performed across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and actively engages with communities through public classes and educational programs.
Rafael Bonachela, a Spanish-born artist, has been the Artistic Director of the company since 2009, encouraging collaboration, pairing dancers with composers, designers, and visual artists to keep each season creative.
The company’s first 2026 season, Engine, is scheduled for 24 June to 12 July at the Sydney Opera House. There will be a triple bill featuring Bonachela’s The Journey Itself is Home, a piece inspired by Japanese poet, Matsuo Bashō, and set to music by Grammy winner, Bryce Dessner.
Also a part of Season One is the Australian Premiere of The Mass Ornament by Berlin-based Spanish choreographer Fran Díaz, featuring music by Henryk Górecki. Melanie Lane’s dance, Love Lock, a futuristic folk dance accompanied by costume design by Akira Isogawa, and a score by UK electronic artist Clark.
Program designed to “push contemporary dance to the edge”
Later in the year, Season Two’s Current will take place from 3 to 20 September at the company’s Neilson Studio as part of the Sydney Dance Company’s 40 Years at the Wharf celebrations. This program features new works from Raghav Handa, Jenni Large, and Azzam Mohamed, alongside Bonachela’s foundational work of dance, E2 7SD.
INDance, the company’s fifth annual platform for independent choreographers, continues to be where emerging artists take creative risks in front of a live audience. This year’s lineup includes Christopher Gurusamy, Emma Harrison, Jenni Large, and Oli Matheisen.
“As we mark 40 years at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, we honour the incredible artists who have shaped our story and those who will lead us into the future,” said Bonachela. “This remarkable home on the wharf has been a wellspring of creativity and collaboration, a space where ideas are nurtured and dance continues to evolve.
“Every season we push contemporary dance to its edge, and next year will be something else entirely. Our empowering program celebrates the courage to create, to innovate and to inspire.”
Beyond Sydney, the company will tour nationally and launch ORBIT, a new partnership with Australian Dance Theatre and Dancehouse, a program of independent works performed across three states.
“From world premieres to stirring collaborations, 2026 celebrates the richness and diversity of our artform in Australia today, a season that empowers artists and audiences alike to see, feel and imagine anew,” said Bonachela.
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