Rafael Bonachela, Choreographer & Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director on Ascent

Ballet & Dance Podcast

The Wonderful World of Dance has arrived in the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia to explore the dynamic dance scene of this beautiful country. And, of course, we couldn’t miss the chance to visit Sydney Dance Company, the leading contemporary dance company in Australia.

In this podcast, we had the privilege to sit down with the company’s Artistic Director and Choreographer Rafael Bonachela at the stunning studio overlooking the magnificent Sydney Harbour.

On the eve of Sydney Dance Company’s much-anticipated Sydney premiere of their latest triple bill Ascent, Bonachela shares his journey from Barcelona to London and then to Sydney, and how his vision has shaped the company over the past 14 years.

Bonachela discusses the acclaimed choreographers that he has brought to work with the company and gives an insight into his process for creating his own works. He also shares the inspiration behind Ascent, which includes two world premieres – Bonachela’s I Am-ness and Marina Mascarell’s The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird, plus the reprisal of Antony Hamilton’s award-winning Forever & Ever.

^{Rafael Bonachela in rehearsal of I Am-ness with Sydney Dance Company. Photo by Pedro Greig}

Ascent runs from 15 March – 26 March 2023 at the Sydney Opera House, followed by an Australian national tour from May – August 2023. For more information and tickets visit: Sydney Dance Company

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