Welcome

Welcome to our National Tour of Ascent

Looking back on my first year as Executive Director, I feel so grateful for everything we achieved including three wonderful Sydney subscription seasons, our return to the world stage with our tour to France, a successful tour around Australia across five states and territories, the opportunity to perform in DanceX Festival in Melbourne and Night at the Barracks in Manly, and a sold out inaugural INDance season for independent dance makers in our very own Neilson Studio.

In 2023, I am excited to share what Sydney Dance Company has in store and what better way to commence this new year than by opening our Sydney season at Sydney Opera House as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations before taking this blockbuster work on the road to audience members around Australia.

Featuring the return of Antony Hamilton’s Forever & Ever and two world premieres

– I Am-ness by Rafael Bonachela and The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird by Marina Mascarell – Ascent is an arresting portrait of contemporary dance and its potential to move, excite and activate audiences.

Bringing new and existing works to the stage is an incredibly complex process driven by creativity, passion and hard work. This electrifying season is only possible due to the leadership and dedication of the Sydney Dance Company Board and team, together with the generous support of our government, corporate and philanthropic partners. We thank the Canberra Theatre Centre for being our co-commissioning partner for Ascent and all our wonderful presenters around Australia for being such generous hosts of our National Tour. I would also particularly like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Australian Government delivered through the Australia Council for the Arts and the NSW Government through Create NSW.

With the unwavering commitment of all of our partners, supporters and those who have invested in our vision, we continue to be able to share the joy and inspiration of bringing the very best of contemporary dance to local, national and international audiences.

Please join us in celebrating this season created and performed by Australia’s most formidable artists in collaboration with our international friends.

Lou Oppenheim Executive Director