Sydney Dance Company began as a group founded in 1969 by dancer Suzanne Musitz. Soon known as The Sydney Dance Company (NSW), from 1975-1976 the Company was directed by Dutch choreographer Jaap Flier, before the appointment of Australian choreographer Graeme Murphy in 1976. He proceeded to lead the newly named Sydney Dance Company (SDC) for a remarkable 30 years. Murphy and his collaborators created work that enthralled audiences in Australia and in extensive international touring, including being the first western contemporary dance company to perform in the People’s Republic of China. Since 2009 Sydney Dance Company has been led by Spanish born Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela. The Company has expanded its reputation and is now performing on stages around the world.They also offer the largest public dance class program in Australia at their Walsh Bay studios at the Wharf, as well as a nation-wide strategic curriculum targeting primary and secondary students through to career focused study for pre-professional dancers and university graduates.
“Blown gently across the stage, Unungkati Yantatja is a dedication to the force of our earthly breaths, intrinsically connecting us to country, to each other, and the continual rhythm of life.” (SDC)
In October this year, Sydney Dance Company have commissioned creative icon Stephen Page to create a brand-new work in collaboration with William Barton, one of Australia’s leading First Nations composers and Yidaki (didgeridoo) players, along with one of Australia’s foremost professional chamber groups, the Omega Ensemble. Adding to this already impressive line-up, the talented Jake Nash and Jennifer Irwin, both long term collaborators with Page will join the team of creatives as set and costume designers.
The work will premiere in Sydney at the Roslyn Packer Theatre and will be a milestone for the company, marking its first ever First Nations collaboration. Additionally, the work will also be shown in a Sydney schools matinee performance and will also have a school resource pack developed to provide high school students from greater Sydney, the Central Tablelands, and the South Coast, insights into the work, the creative process, the artists, and the cultural significance of First Nations Art.
Unungkati Yantatja is aiming to inspire and engage audiences and foster greater understanding, respect, and appreciation for First Nations culture.
The Girgensohn Foundation supports the development of this work.