Award-winning dancer Charmene Yap reflects on ten years with the Company

Widely lauded by critics and audiences alike, Company dancer Charmene Yap is taking her final bows on stage at the end of our 2019 2019 National Tourafter a dazzling ten year career with Sydney Dance Company.

The “irrepressible” (Daily Review) and “always magnetic” (The Australian) dancer has previously won two Helpmann Awards for Best Female Dancer (2 One Another and 2 in D Minor).

She is currently performing in Rafael Bonachela’s Cinco, as part of our 50th Anniversary Triple Bill.

Charmene shares her reflections on her decade-long journey with us:

“So many amazing people have been a part of this company and I feel so blessed that I had such a diverse and colourful decade with Sydney Dance Company. Growing with the company under the directorship of Rafael Bonachela has been a joyful and unique journey

Charmene wearing designs by Toni Maticevski. Photo by Pedro Greig.

There have been many amazing moments with lots of self discovery, out-of-this-world experiences, and at times, extreme tiredness! There have been so many highlights, like performing at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, winning my first Helpmann Award and choreographing for New Breed, but maybe the most memorable moments are simply dancing in the studios with my fellow artists.

It has always been the act of reaching out and communicating with people that moves me to perform. Hearing the appreciation and support of audiences at the end of a show is such a special thing and knowing that you were able to give something of yourself to another is incredibly rewarding.

Charmene won the 2012 Helpmann Award for ‘Best Female Dancer’ for her performance in 2 One Another. Photo by Wendell Teodoro.

I think the biggest thing I have learned during my time with Sydney Dance Company is that it takes a real committed team of people to get an amazing performance up. So much hard work and effort comes from everybody. Each individual is important.

I am extremely thankful and honoured to have been a part of this wonderful company. Sydney Dance Company has played a significant role in my career and it will always hold a special spot in my heart.”

In rehearsals for Rafael Bonachela’s Cinco wearing costume by Bianca Spender. Photo by Pedro Greig.

Performing in Rafael Bonachela’s Ocho, 2017. Photo by Pedro Greig.

Elizabeth Ashley from Dance Informa also spoke to Charmene about her longstanding career. Read more on their website.

Don’t miss Charmene Yap on stage until 17 August performing our 50th Anniversary Triple Bill.