2027 Education Program
Welcome Welcome to Sydney Dance Company’s 2027 Education Program! We’re delighted to introduce the many inspiring ways young people can connect with Sydney Dance Company in 2027. From the energy of participating in a dance workshop to the excitement of experiencing live performance and more — students have many opportunities to engage, explore and be inspired.
the world differently, and open up new ways of thinking, feeling and expressing ideas. Through our 2027 Education Program, students are invited to experience the energy, creativity and transformative possibilities of dance. Contact us any time you wish to discuss any of these programs in more detail. We can’t wait to hear from you! (02) 9258 4800 or email education@sydneydancecompany.com
At Sydney Dance Company we believe dance has the power to move, connect and transform. It can spark curiosity, encourage young people to see
Contents 2027 Calendar of Events
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School Matinees Matinee Details Extended Matinee Experience - Workshops Resource Packs
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National Tour 2027 National Tour 2027 Locations
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Workshops Face-to-face Virtual Primary Education Workshop Series Teacher Professional Development Program Overview Bespoke Professional Learning Workshops
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Teacher Resources Digital Resource Packs
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Accredited Programs Teacher Training Accredited Short Courses
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Advanced Training - Youth Offerings Youth Ensemble Youth Intensive
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Pre-Professional Year
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Professional Intensive
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Acknowledgements
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Double click this image for a downloadable poster to put up in your studio or classroom. 2
“Dance brings people together. Beyond the language we speak, beyond where we come from around the world, we all understand the body.” — Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director
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2026 Calendar of Events January
February
Summer School Holiday Workshops 4 – 22 January
School workshops available to book from Term 1
March
April
INDance 11 – 20 March
Autumn School Holiday Workshops 12 – 23 April
May
June Season One – Sydney • 16 – 26 June • Secondary School Matinee 23 June, 12pm
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July
August
National Tour: Engine
National Tour: Engine
• Brisbane 29 – 31 July Winter School Holiday Workshops 5 - 16 July
• • • • • •
September
October
Spring School Holiday Workshops 27 September – 8 October
Season Two – Sydney
Mackay 4 August Cairns 7 August Newcastle 11 August Port Macquarie 14 August Hobart 19 & 20 August Goulburn 25 August
• 21 – 30 October • Primary School Matinee 27 October, 12pm • Secondary School Matinee 28 October, 12pm Spring School Holiday Workshops 27 September – 8 October
November
December
PPY27 Unfolds 24 – 26 November
PPY27 Revealed 16 – 17 December
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School Matinees
Our tailored matinees connect students with cutting-edge contemporary dance performances. Through pre-show talks and demonstrations, students will be offered insights into our artists’ creative processes. Students will engage in a post-show panel discussion and Q&A with Company dancers, creatives and arts professionals, developing a deeper understanding of various performing arts industry career pathways, and the process of bringing a performance to life.
Sydney
Season One Secondary School Matinee
Wednesday 23 June, 12pm
Carriageworks
Sydney
Season Two Primary School Matinee
Wednesday 27 October, 12pm
Roslyn Packer Theatre
Sydney
Season Two Secondary School Matinee
Thursday 28 October, 12pm
Roslyn Packer Theatre
Hobart
Engine Secondary School Matinee
20 August, 11am
Theatre Royal
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Matinee Details
Secondary School Matinees • Suitable for Upper Primary (Grades 5 & 6), Grades 7-12, and tertiary or full-time dance students • Ticket price: $35/student (schools receive one complimentary teacher ticket for every 20 tickets purchased) • Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
Enquire Here Primary School Matinees • Suitable for Grades 3-6 • Ticket price: $27/student (schools receive one complimentary teacher ticket for every 20 tickets purchased) • Duration: 1 hour (approximately)
Enquire Here
Extended Matinee Experience Workshops For Sydney performances, workshops can be scheduled on the same day as a matinee, subject to studio availability. Alternatively, we can deliver a workshop at your school tailored to connect with the matinee performance on a date that best suits your schedule. Fill in this Booking Form if you are interested in booking an accompanying workshop and the Education Team will be in touch.
Resource Packs Digital Resource Packs are included with all ticket purchases, pulling back the curtain on creative processes, design choices, choreographic and appreciation tasks. These resource packs provide you and your students with an understanding of what to expect during the performance and enrich the students’ understanding of the performance in the classroom, supporting ongoing and in-depth engagement with contemporary dance and the performing arts.
“The SDC matinee had a significant impact on my students. It provided an inspiring opportunity for students to experience high-quality professional dance in a live theatre setting and to see the creativity, technical skill and commitment required of professional dancers...” – Teacher, Randwick High School
Interested but need more information? Fill in this Booking Form and the Education Team will be in touch.
Fill in this Form
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National Tour 2027
Sydney Dance Company will be touring Engine, the extrodinary triple bill performed at the Sydney Opera House in 2026. Engine unites three extraordinary choreographers; Rafael Bonachela, Fran Diaz and Melanie Lane, for an exhilarating performance that delivers bold, fearless dance. Rafael Bonachela’s The Journey Itself Is Home features music by Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner and is inspired by 17th-century Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō. Engine sees the return of acclaimed Australian/ Javanese choreographer Melanie Lane’s Love Lock, a re-imagined folk dance of the future, drawing upon collective experiences of diverse cultures, an accelerating world and disappearing lands. Love
Lock celebrates the binding ability of dance to move, warn and empower, showcasing costume design by celebrated Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa, layered with texture and colour, and a score composed by UK electronic artist Clark. Completing the triple bill is The Mass Ornament by Berlin-based Spanish choreographer Fran Diaz. This hypnotic work set to the music of Henryk Górecki reimagines Siegfried Kracauer’s seminal 1927 essay. Diaz compellingly transforms the concept of mass movement into an exploration of connection and collectivity, where individuality co-exists, not in opposition, but in dialogue. The Mass Ornament was commissioned by Hessisches Staatsballet and performed in Australia with its kind permission.
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National Tour 2027 Locations Sydney Dance Company performances will be held in the following locations. Please contact your local venue for group ticket bookings and more information.
Brisbane
Brisbane Powerhouse
Engine
29 – 31 July
Mackay
Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre
Engine
4 August
Cairns
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
Engine
7 August
Newcastle
Civic Theatre
Engine
11 August
Port Macquarie
Glasshouse Arts, Conference and Entertainment Centre
Engine
14 August
Hobart
Theatre Royal
Engine
19 – 20 August
Goulburn
Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
Engine
25 August
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Workshops
Sydney Dance Company offers a diverse range of dance workshops, available both face-to-face and virtually. Each workshop can be tailored to complement your school’s curriculum, whether in Dance, Performing Arts, or PDHPE, to meet the diverse learning needs of your students, regardless of skill level or prior dance experience. Our workshops are designed to challenge, engage, and inspire students, fostering creativity, confidence, and movement literacy in any learning environment. Workshops are available in the following dance styles: • Contemporary Creative (technique, Sydney Dance Company repertoire and creative tasking for secondary students) • Contemporary Technique (technique and Sydney Dance Company repertoire) • Lyrical • Ballet • Jazz • Theatre Jazz • Hip Hop • JFH • Strength and conditioning
Book here or for more information contact: education@sydneydancecompany.com or call 02 9258 4800.
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Face-To-Face
Virtual
Workshops can be delivered as an incursion (delivered at your school/studio) or excursion at our studios located in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, subject to availability. Sydney Dance Company Teaching Artists will guide your students through warm-up, technique and teach a genre-specific routine.
Virtual workshops are delivered through Zoom or Microsoft Teams while students are at school, in the studio, or undertaking remote learning. Sessions are delivered by a Sydney Dance Company Teaching Artist and supported by a Virtual Studio Technician (VST) who can assist with technical support and online child-safe practices. Sydney Dance Company Teaching Artists will guide students through warmup, technique and teach a genre-specific routine modified for virtual delivery.
Please note: workshops held at schools more than 35km from Sydney CBD will incur travel expenses.
Secondary School / Dance Studios (ages 12+)
Virtual Workshops
• Up to 2 hours (Contemporary Creative) • 90 mins (all other styles) • $405 + GST (per session, up to 35 students)
• 60 mins - $305 + GST (per session, up to 40 students) • 90 mins - $405 + GST (per session, up to 40 students)
Please contact education@sydneydancecompany.com for enquiries regarding bespoke participant numbers.
Book Here
Primary School (ages 8-12) • Up to 60 mins • $305 + GST (per session, up to 35 students) Please contact education@sydneydancecompany.com for enquiries regarding bespoke participant numbers
Book Here
Please contact education@sydneydancecompany.com for enquiries regarding bespoke participant numbers.
Book Here
“Our students had an awesome day and absolutely loved the workshop. Our parents have expressed how grateful they were for the opportunity, especially for boys to gain experience in the arts. I will be recommending it to everyone; the ease of booking, clear communication and supportive environment was greatly appreciated.” – Teacher, Woy Woy South Public School
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Primary Education Workshop Series
Bring dance to life in your classroom! Sydney Dance Company’s Primary Education Workshop Series engages, inspires and challenges students with a series of curriculum-aligned dance lessons, delivering a high-quality arts experience and enriching both students’ and teachers’ practice.
Are you interested in the Primary Education Workshop Series for your primary school but need more information?
Through a positive and inclusive learning environment, the Workshop Series builds foundational dance technique while fostering collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, supporting participants to develop knowledge and an understanding of dance. Ongoing engagement enables students to work towards meeting curriculum outcomes in performing, composing and appreciating.
Register your interest by completing this form and the Education Team will be in touch.
The program is guided by the two options below and organised in collaboration with your school to suit your students, teachers, timetable and goals. These structures can be adapted to ensure the most effective and engaging delivery for your students. Recommended duration Option 1: 4–8 weeks (includes informal performance + teacher professional learning)
Register Here
“The Teaching Artist gave clear instructions; easy for our students to understand and follow.” — Primary Teacher, Sadleir Public School
Option 2: 1–2 weeks (includes informal performance) Delivery Incursion, in an appropriate space at your school. Workshop Content
Syllabus Outcomes
Warm up and integrated movement activities
Performing DAS1.1 DAS2.1 DAS3.1
Composition tasks
Composing DAS1.2 DAS2.2 DAS3.2
Arts appreciation tasks
Appreciating DAS1.3 DAS2.3 DAS3.3
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Teacher Professional Development
Sydney Dance Company understands the demands placed on teachers and the limited time available to focus on your own creative development. Our Teacher Professional Development programs provide space to pause, reconnect and nourish your own practice, while gaining practical tools, fresh ideas and renewed inspiration to bring back into the classroom.
The Dance Educator: Lecture Series This flexible professional learning series is tailored for secondary school and studio dance teachers seeking fresh, evidence-based insights into the science, artistry, and sustainability of dance education. Across a diverse schedule of lectures, expert presenters will cover topics from performance podiatry and biomechanics to posture, alignment, and strength training. Sessions bring a holistic perspective, addressing both physical and mental wellbeing. Attendees will gain practical knowledge in anatomy, movement efficiency, and sustainable practice. Whether you’re looking to deepen your technical understanding, refresh your teaching practice, or better support the health and wellbeing of your students, this is an invaluable opportunity to engage with evidence-based strategies that directly translate into the studio and classroom. Lectures will be delivered both online and in person. August 2027 Fill in this expression of interest form and the Education Team will be in touch.
Creative Composition for Secondary Teachers 4 March 9am to 3pm Sydney Dance Company Studios, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Dawes Point Program fee: $260 Join Sydney Dance Company for an inspiring professional learning experience designed for secondary school teachers. Immerse yourself in contemporary dance methodologies and leave with fresh tools, practical strategies and renewed creative inspiration to lead your students with greater clarity and contemporary insight. Through practical exercises, group discussion and peer connection, you’ll gain classroom-ready solutions and receive a comprehensive Resource Pack to support continued learning beyond the professional learning day. Program Overview • Technique class – Experience dance from the learner’s perspective, focusing on language, anatomy and safe dance principles. • Movement exploration workshop – Build confidence in guiding improvisation and inclusive participation. • Creative development session – Transform improvisation into choreography for solos and group work. • Q&A + networking – Connect with peers and the Sydney Dance Company Learning Team. Program Outcomes • Strategies for facilitating creative exploration • Expanded contemporary dance techniques • Approaches to improvisation and classroom collaboration • Implementation of creative tasks for solo and group composition
Book Here
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Dance and Creative Movement for Primary Teachers 5 March 9am to 3pm Sydney Dance Company Studios, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Dawes Point Program fee: $260 Designed specifically for primary school teachers, this engaging and practical professional learning experience will give you the confidence and inspiration to bring dance and creative movement into your classroom. Through participation, discussion and interactive workshops, you’ll explore adaptable strategies that make dance accessible, enjoyable and achievable in a primary classroom. Develop an understanding of Sydney Dance Company’s approach to safe and inclusive dance teaching, drawing on best-practice and industry-led contemporary dance concepts. Working through practical exercises delivered by industry specialists, you’ll connect with peers, exchange ideas, and gain innovative solutions to classroom challenges. In addition, you’ll receive a comprehensive Resource Pack to support your teaching beyond the professional learning day. Program Overview • Dance warm-up and safe dance practices – Participate in a practical warm-up exploring a range of ways to implement safe dance practices, along with key sequencing to support learning outcomes.
Program Outcomes • Practical, age-appropriate strategies for engaging students in dance experiences within the Creative Arts KLA • Understanding of safe dance principles, warm-up structures and choreography for primary-aged students • Creative tasks and composition ideas suitable for a range of primary year levels in stages 2 and 3
Book Here
Bespoke Professional Learning Workshops If our scheduled workshops don’t suit, we offer customised professional development delivered in Sydney, at your school, or virtually. Each session is tailored to your needs, whether you’re seeking guidance on leading improvisation, developing choreographic tasks for lesson plans, or seeking inspiration for your own practice. We can create practical training sessions designed specifically for you and the needs of your students. Contact us on (02) 9258 4800 or email education@ sydneydanccompany.com for more information.
• Improvisation tasks – Practical toolkit and strategies for improvisation practices and activities that support student exploration, imagination and confidence-building. • Creative tasks and composition – Explore ways to shape movement into short phrases, structured sequences and collaborative tasks. • Q&A discussion – An opportunity to reflect on the day, revisit learnings, ask questions of the Learning Team and network with other dance teachers and professionals.
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Teacher Resources
Digital Resource Packs Sydney Dance Company’s digital Resource Packs are designed to enrich student learning and include behind-the-scenes access to cast and creative biographies, information on the stimulus of the work and the creative process, as well as curriculumaligned appreciation and composition tasks.
Resource Packs include access to filmed work for use in educational settings and are $50.00 each.
Dance Locale This Resource Pack explores site-specific dance and dance for film. Dance Locale is a suite of five short films, created in collaboration with the NSW Government’s Festival of Place, using site-specific dance to celebrate and activate public spaces in NSW. Includes: • • • •
Five short dance films (3-8 minutes each) Cast and creative bios 1 x Appreciation task 2 x Composition tasks
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Cinco This Resource Pack explores Rafael Bonachela’s Cinco. Cinco melds five virtuosic dancers, the award-winning lighting of Damien Cooper and the imagination and skill of fashion designer Bianca Spender with celebrated Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera’s achingly magnificent String Quartet #2. For teachers delivering the VCE Dance curriculum, Cinco is included on the prescribed list of dance works for Units 3 and 4. Includes: • • • •
Five short films (3-8 minutes each) Cast and creative bios 1 x Appreciation task 2 x Composition tasks
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Accredited Programs
Teacher Training
Accredited Short Courses
Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training offers aspiring and experienced dance educators a comprehensive pathway to refine their teaching skills and personal practice.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45863) Sydney Dance Company offers Accredited Short Courses aimed at extending the knowledge and skills of those with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary dance. Accredited Short Courses are suitable for teachers working in creative industries or education wishing to expand their skillset. Upon successful completion of a course, a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for the unit of competency will be awarded.
Designed to meet the evolving demands of dance education, Sydney Dance Company’s Teacher Training integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, equipping teachers with the skills, knowledge and confidence to inspire the next generation of dancers. Through the program, dance teachers will gain expertise in developing movement practices, fostering safe and inclusive learning environments and translating professional knowledge into dynamic teaching experiences. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45863) Sydney Dance Company offers the nationally recognised CUA40320 Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. For more information about Teacher Training, click below for the Teacher Training Prospectus or email training@sydneydancecompany.com for any questions.
Read the Prospectus
Choreographic Practice 12-16 April Discover a diverse range of choreographic tools to support your dance-making and creative practices. Across five days, meet with influential choreographers and choreographic educators to explore various tools, techniques, methods, and processes for creating original solo works. This course is useful for teachers and choreographers looking to invigorate their practice. Movement Mastery 27 September - 1 October Explore a wide array of movement techniques and body awareness philosophies led by expert dance educators, choreographers, and movement specialists. Over the duration of this one week intensive, you will explore improvisation techniques, somatic selfobservation processes, kinaesthetic principles, and mindful movement concepts, facilitating a deeper understanding of deliberate action in movement.
For more information on Accredited Short Courses contact us on (02) 9258 4800 or email training@ sydneydancecompany.com.
“This course has completely changed my perspective on teaching and has transformed my approach in the studio. I couldn’t recommend SDC’s teacher training program enough! — Teacher Training participant 2026
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Advanced Training Youth Offerings
Youth Ensemble
Youth Intensive
About Youth Ensemble
Sydney Dance Company’s Youth Intensive is a one-week immersive experience for dancers aged 15–18 years old at an intermediate to advanced level. Participants will train alongside professional artists, expanding their technical skills, igniting creativity, and exploring Sydney Dance Company repertoire. Through daily technique classes, creative development sessions, and performance opportunities, young dancers are inspired to push their artistic boundaries and deepen their passion for dance.
Is your student ready to take their contemporary dance to the next level? Sydney Dance Company’s Youth Ensemble is an audition-based program that complements regular studio training with creative exploration, technical growth, and learning professional repertoire. Running across Terms 1–3 the program welcomes intermediate to advanced dancers. • Primary Ensemble (10–12 yrs old) — Perfect for young dancers eager to extend their skills, explore creative expression, and experience the excitement of contemporary dance. • Junior Ensemble (12–15 yrs old) — Ideal for developing dancers ready to deepen their technique, expand their creative confidence, and engage with contemporary dance on a deeper level. • Senior Ensemble (15–18 yrs old) — Designed for experienced young dancers seeking to refine their artistry, build performance skills, and explore contemporary dance with greater depth and professional insight. Take the next step in your dance journey — audition for the Youth Ensemble in 2027! Details • Audition: Sunday 31 January • Venue: Sydney Dance Company Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point NSW 2000 • Time: Times to be confirmed • Audition Cost: $25 Please see the website for more course details. Apply to audition for 2027 Youth Ensemble
Apply for the upcoming Summer Youth Intensive or subscribe to our e-news to receive the latest information about Youth Intensives happening across the year. Summer Youth Intensive Information Dates Monday 18 January – Friday 22 January Times 10:00am – 4:00pm daily (schedule may vary) Location Sydney Dance Company Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point NSW 2000 Applications close Friday 8 January Application fee $0 – application is free. Program fee $550 (including GST). This is only payable if you have been accepted into the program.
Apply Now
Apply Now “I loved learning new improvisation tools and learning from different teachers with different styles and backgrounds. Another highlight was learning to collaborate with people I don’t know and growing closer with everybody. ”
“I loved the week, the teachers, work, repertoire learnt and friends made was an incredible experience. I loved how it challenged me to grow as a dancer.” — Youth Intensive dancer, 2026
— Youth Ensemble dancer, 2026
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Pre-Professional Year
Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year provides a unique opportunity for aspiring professional dancers aged 18-24 to experience full-time training with Sydney Dance Company. Encompassing a wide spectrum of industry-based dance practices, the Pre-Professional Year dancers train as an ensemble and work with over 40 choreographers, teachers and company affiliates each year. The expansive and highly curated program offers a diverse range of practices and movement philosophies, forging a direct link to the global contemporary dance community. Dancers in the Pre-Professional Year work towards completing CUA60120 - Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance) over two years, with the option to finish after one year with a CUA51520 - Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). Sydney Dance Company is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #45863).
Are you interested in the Pre-Professional Year and would like more information? Reach out to training@ sydneydancecompany.com or call +61 2 9258 4886
“Supported by an extraordinary group of mentors, teachers and peers, I feel confident that I am finding myself as a contemporary artist.” — Matilda PPY 2026
For more information, read the 2027 Prospectus.
Read the Prospectus
See what previous participants have to say about their experience in the Pre-Professional Year in the video below:
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Professional Intensive
Sydney Dance Company’s Professional Intensive is specifically designed for professional dancers, emerging artists and tertiary dance graduates as an opportunity to gain an understanding of how Australia’s leading contemporary dance company works. The five-day program consists of technique classes, creative tasking and learning company repertoire, working with Sydney Dance Company’s artistic and training team members, previous company dancers and industry leading specialists. Apply for the upcoming Summer Professional Intensive or subscribe to our e-news to receive the latest information about Professional Intensives happening across the year.
“It is extremely hard to pick one highlight or favourite part! I think the overall knowledge and experience I gained through each class, as well as getting to learn from such AMAZING dancers/choreographers was so incredible. Also the community we created with everyone in the Intensive was so special.”
Professional Intensive Information Dates and time Monday 25 to Friday 29 January 9:30am – 4.30pm daily (schedule may vary) Location Sydney Dance Company, Wharf 4/5, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point NSW 2000 Applications close Monday 11 January Program fee $635 (including GST). This is only payable if you have been accepted into the program.
Apply Now
— 2026 Summer Professional Intensive participant
See what previous participants have to say about their experience in the Professional Intensive.
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Acknowledgments
2027 Program
National Tour
Season 1 and 2
Engine
Supported by the generous donors of the Carla Zampatti Commissioning Fund.
Engine is supported by our Season and Tour presenting partner, The Art House, Wyong.
Schools Matinee partner
Rafael Bonachela’s The Journey Itself is Home is supported by commissioning partner Orsolina28 Art Foundation.
The Primary School Matinee is generously supported by Alenka Tindale.
Fran Diaz’s The Mass Ornament is generously supported by Sydney Dance Company’s Visionary Patron, the Clegg Foundation. The Mass Ornament was commissioned by Hessisches Staatsballet and is performed in Australia with its kind permission. Melanie Lane’s Love Lock was originally supported as part of Sydney Dance Company’s Twofold season, by Visionary Patron, the Clegg Foundation. Sydney Dance Company’s NSW touring is supported by the Sydney Dance Company Touring Fund and the NSW Government through Create NSW, while interstate touring is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
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Content created by Sydney Dance Company © Sydney Dance Company Photos by Rafael Bonachela, Daniel Boud, Pedro Greig, Wendell Teodoro, Gez Xavier Mansfield and Ben Symons