Performances

National Tour

March 27 - April 6
Somos
Neilson Studio, Sydney Dance Company
October 22 - November 1
Continuum
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay
December 3 - December 13
New Breed
Carriageworks, Eveleigh

★★★★★ “It’s a beautiful, luminous, cadent spectacle of artistry and athleticism, where world-class dancers blaze majestically across the stage like demi-gods.” – Sydney Morning Herald (momenta)

“Created by artistic director Rafael Bonachela, “momenta” is a one-act, 75-minute, whirlwind of power, grace, and physicality.”Fjord Review (momenta)

Presented in association with

Tour Dates & Locations


Dates
2024
15 June – 9 Nov

2025
30 April – 15 May
18 July – 6 August


Locations
QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS


Sydney Dance Company is proud to tour Australia annually, bringing unforgettable contemporary dance experiences to audiences across the country.

In 2025, we can’t wait to share Rafael Bonachela’s critically-acclaimed momenta with audiences around Australia, performing in over seven locations across three states.

View our tour dates below to see if we’re coming to a theatre near you.

2025 tickets on sale in the coming months, with more locations to be announced!

2025 National Tour Locations

 

WorkLocationDate
SomosArts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne VIC13-23 March
momentaMildura Arts Centre, Mildura VIC30 April
momentaUlumbarra Theatre, Bendigo VIC7 May
momentaFrankston Arts Centre, Frankston VIC10 May
momentaGeelong Arts Centre, Geelong VIC14 - 15 May
momentaTheatre Royal, Hobart TAS18 - 19 July
momentaTheatre North, Launceston TAS23 July
momentaCivic Theatre, Newcastle NSW6 August

Works & Creatives


Dates
2024
15 June – 9 Nov

2025
30 April – 15 May
18 July – 6 August


Locations
QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS


momenta

momenta brims with Bonachela’s distinct style, rich with rhythmical and spatial patterning and endlessly inventive partnering. The dancers of Sydney Dance Company transcend physical limitations; exploring the full range of their bodies with grace, power and vulnerability. Each moment resonates through the space, drawing the audience into a world where raw expression meets refined technique.

Through the captivating interplay of Bonachela’s signature choreographic style, Wales’ evocative soundscapes and Gadsby and Cooper’s striking designs, momenta gathers the hurtling vectors of our lives into confluence and connection. For audiences and dancers alike, it is an invitation to rejoice in the beauty and fragility of our shared humanity.

Choreography: Rafael Bonachela
Music: Original Score by Nick Wales featuring “Distant Light” by Pēteris Vasks
Lighting Design: Damien Cooper
Set and Costume Design: Elizabeth Gadsby
Associate Designer: Emma White

 

Twofold

Twofold is a monumental double bill featuring the return of Rafael Bonachela’s Impermanence alongside Melanie Lane’s new work, Love Lock.

Impermanence

A visceral and thrilling exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation, this full-length work by Rafael Bonachela features a score full of emotional power from Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner.

Best known as a founder of American rock band The National and for his film scores for The Revenant and The Two Popes, Dessner was initially inspired by the tragedy of the Australian bush fires and the Notre-Dame fire in Paris. Sydney Dance Company’s ensemble is joined live on stage by the Australian String Quartet. This is epic, driven performance that packs an emotional punch.

Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Composer: Bryce Dessner
Original Music Performed By: Australian String Quartet
Music Features:
 Another World by Anohni
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Stage Designer: David Fleischer
Costume Designer: Aleisa Jelbart

Love Lock

Inspired by the power of love stories, Melanie Lane’s bold new work Love Lock deconstructs love songs to create a folk dance that celebrates the fantasies and realities of love. With striking costumes by the iconic designer Akira Isogawa and a score by UK electronic artist Clark, don’t miss the world premiere of this rare and ambitious work.

Melanie Lane’s Love Lock is generously supported by Sydney Dance Company’s Visionary Patron Brett Clegg and the Clegg Foundation.

Choreography: Melanie Lane
Composer: Clark
Lighting and Set Design: Damien Cooper
Costume Design: Akira Isogawa

Reviews


Dates
2024
15 June – 9 Nov

2025
30 April – 15 May
18 July – 6 August


Locations
QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS


momenta

★★★★★ “momenta is an electric and arresting celebration of light and life that feels almost sacred in its reverence for the power of the body to connect and communicate.” – Sydney Morning Herald

“This extraordinary work bypasses logic, connecting with the subconscious through beautiful intensity and visual poetry.” – Dance Informa

“Like much good art, momenta gets inside you and intensifies your sensuality.” – The Saturday Paper

“The dancers’ muscular control and agility shine through rhythmic patterning, explorative partnering, and motifs incorporating wavelets, extensions, and elevations, which then give in to gravity.” – Dance Informa

“Bonachela has once again delivered outstanding contemporary dance. In momenta, we have a choreographic work that pushes boundaries, delivered by a company brimming with talent.” – Fjord Review

Twofold

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Impermanence displays some of Bonachela’s finest choreography: achingly beautiful, fluid shapes that power across the stage with breathtaking athleticism and sophisticated musicality.” – Sydney Morning Herald (Impermanence)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Impermanence is classic Sydney Dance Company repertoire: gorgeous, abstract, athletic.” – BachTrack (Impermanence)

“Extraordinary… Form and function meet seamlessly in every aspect — Bonachela’s huge, fast, juicy movement, Damien Cooper’s luscious lighting, David Fleischer’s imposing stage design and Aleisa Jelbart’s nature-­inspired costumes, all in the tight embrace of Dessner’s score.” – The Australian (Impermanence)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “…choreographed with electric intelligence by Melanie Lane.” – Sydney Morning Herald (Love Lock)

★ ★ ★ ★ “Each element of Love Lock is expertly crafted and together creates an unparalleled synergy. Every aspect – choreography, score, costuming and set – synthesises into a spectacular explosion of colour, richness and immersion that leaves the audience craving more.”- State of the Art (Love Lock)

“…Love Lock feels exceedingly contemporary. In fact, it feels like a glimpse into the future. You just can’t look away.” – ArtsHub (Love Lock)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Love Lock is a work of bold genius and unfiltered creativity… Cross oceans if you must. This is the real deal.” – Bach Track (Love Lock)

+

Tour Dates & Locations


Dates
2024
15 June – 9 Nov

2025
30 April – 15 May
18 July – 6 August


Locations
QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS


Sydney Dance Company is proud to tour Australia annually, bringing unforgettable contemporary dance experiences to audiences across the country.

In 2025, we can’t wait to share Rafael Bonachela’s critically-acclaimed momenta with audiences around Australia, performing in over seven locations across three states.

View our tour dates below to see if we’re coming to a theatre near you.

2025 tickets on sale in the coming months, with more locations to be announced!

2025 National Tour Locations

 

Work: Somos
Location: Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne VIC
Date: 13-23 March
Work: momenta
Location: Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura VIC
Date: 30 April
Work: momenta
Location: Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo VIC
Date: 7 May
Work: momenta
Location: Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston VIC
Date: 10 May
Work: momenta
Location: Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong VIC
Date: 14 - 15 May
Work: momenta
Location: Theatre Royal, Hobart TAS
Date: 18 - 19 July
Work: momenta
Location: Theatre North, Launceston TAS
Date: 23 July
Work: momenta
Location: Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW
Date: 6 August
+

Works & Creatives


Dates
2024
15 June – 9 Nov

2025
30 April – 15 May
18 July – 6 August


Locations
QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS


momenta

momenta brims with Bonachela’s distinct style, rich with rhythmical and spatial patterning and endlessly inventive partnering. The dancers of Sydney Dance Company transcend physical limitations; exploring the full range of their bodies with grace, power and vulnerability. Each moment resonates through the space, drawing the audience into a world where raw expression meets refined technique.

Through the captivating interplay of Bonachela’s signature choreographic style, Wales’ evocative soundscapes and Gadsby and Cooper’s striking designs, momenta gathers the hurtling vectors of our lives into confluence and connection. For audiences and dancers alike, it is an invitation to rejoice in the beauty and fragility of our shared humanity.

Choreography: Rafael Bonachela
Music: Original Score by Nick Wales featuring “Distant Light” by Pēteris Vasks
Lighting Design: Damien Cooper
Set and Costume Design: Elizabeth Gadsby
Associate Designer: Emma White

 

Twofold

Twofold is a monumental double bill featuring the return of Rafael Bonachela’s Impermanence alongside Melanie Lane’s new work, Love Lock.

Impermanence

A visceral and thrilling exploration of the juxtaposition of beauty and devastation, this full-length work by Rafael Bonachela features a score full of emotional power from Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner.

Best known as a founder of American rock band The National and for his film scores for The Revenant and The Two Popes, Dessner was initially inspired by the tragedy of the Australian bush fires and the Notre-Dame fire in Paris. Sydney Dance Company’s ensemble is joined live on stage by the Australian String Quartet. This is epic, driven performance that packs an emotional punch.

Choreographer: Rafael Bonachela
Composer: Bryce Dessner
Original Music Performed By: Australian String Quartet
Music Features:
 Another World by Anohni
Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper
Stage Designer: David Fleischer
Costume Designer: Aleisa Jelbart

Love Lock

Inspired by the power of love stories, Melanie Lane’s bold new work Love Lock deconstructs love songs to create a folk dance that celebrates the fantasies and realities of love. With striking costumes by the iconic designer Akira Isogawa and a score by UK electronic artist Clark, don’t miss the world premiere of this rare and ambitious work.

Melanie Lane’s Love Lock is generously supported by Sydney Dance Company’s Visionary Patron Brett Clegg and the Clegg Foundation.

Choreography: Melanie Lane
Composer: Clark
Lighting and Set Design: Damien Cooper
Costume Design: Akira Isogawa

+

Reviews


Dates
2024
15 June – 9 Nov

2025
30 April – 15 May
18 July – 6 August


Locations
QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS


momenta

★★★★★ “momenta is an electric and arresting celebration of light and life that feels almost sacred in its reverence for the power of the body to connect and communicate.” – Sydney Morning Herald

“This extraordinary work bypasses logic, connecting with the subconscious through beautiful intensity and visual poetry.” – Dance Informa

“Like much good art, momenta gets inside you and intensifies your sensuality.” – The Saturday Paper

“The dancers’ muscular control and agility shine through rhythmic patterning, explorative partnering, and motifs incorporating wavelets, extensions, and elevations, which then give in to gravity.” – Dance Informa

“Bonachela has once again delivered outstanding contemporary dance. In momenta, we have a choreographic work that pushes boundaries, delivered by a company brimming with talent.” – Fjord Review

Twofold

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Impermanence displays some of Bonachela’s finest choreography: achingly beautiful, fluid shapes that power across the stage with breathtaking athleticism and sophisticated musicality.” – Sydney Morning Herald (Impermanence)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Impermanence is classic Sydney Dance Company repertoire: gorgeous, abstract, athletic.” – BachTrack (Impermanence)

“Extraordinary… Form and function meet seamlessly in every aspect — Bonachela’s huge, fast, juicy movement, Damien Cooper’s luscious lighting, David Fleischer’s imposing stage design and Aleisa Jelbart’s nature-­inspired costumes, all in the tight embrace of Dessner’s score.” – The Australian (Impermanence)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “…choreographed with electric intelligence by Melanie Lane.” – Sydney Morning Herald (Love Lock)

★ ★ ★ ★ “Each element of Love Lock is expertly crafted and together creates an unparalleled synergy. Every aspect – choreography, score, costuming and set – synthesises into a spectacular explosion of colour, richness and immersion that leaves the audience craving more.”- State of the Art (Love Lock)

“…Love Lock feels exceedingly contemporary. In fact, it feels like a glimpse into the future. You just can’t look away.” – ArtsHub (Love Lock)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Love Lock is a work of bold genius and unfiltered creativity… Cross oceans if you must. This is the real deal.” – Bach Track (Love Lock)

Featuring works


momenta – Contemporary Dance Work

Choreography

Rafael Bonachela

Duration

75 mins

First performed

2024

A journey into the poetry and physicality of human bonds.

Dancers
Chloe Young
Dancer
Coco Wood
Dancer
Dean Elliott
Dancer
Emily Seymour
Dancer
Jesse Scales
Dancer
Liam Green
Luke Hayward
Choreographer, New Breed 2022
Mia Thompson
Dancer
Morgan Hurrell
Sophie Jones
Dancer
Tamara Bouman
Dancer
Jacopo Grabar
Dancer
Madeline Harms
Artist
Piran Scott
Artist
Riley Fitzgerald
Artist