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. In 1979 Murphy and his partner Janet Vernon instituted the defining name change to Sydney Dance Company and proceeded to lead it 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.
In 2023 and 2024 Sydney Dance Company will tour to Italy, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, UK, and the USA. They will perform in prestigious venues such as the Royal Opera House in London and the Kennedy Centre in Washington.
The Girgensohn Foundation is supporting the Touring Fund.