With a program of provocative and compelling new works from four of Australia’s most exciting new choreographers, Sydney Dance Company’s New Breed returns to Carriageworks this December.
Rising dance makers Amber McCartney, Siobhan McKenna, Piran Scott, and Dean Elliott will debut four dance works, presenting an enthralling vision of emerging Australian choreographic talent.
Performed by members of Sydney Dance Company at Carriageworks, each work offers a fresh perspective on Australian dance, blending unique choreographic voices with boundary-pushing ideas.
This season is proudly supported by New Breed Principal Partner, The Balnaves Foundation. Celebrating the future of contemporary dance, this year’s program features:
Leech
Award-winning dancer Amber McCartney returns to her home state of New South Wales to present Leech – a world premiere work that morphs the body and challenges the human form through the use of objects and costumes. Drawing inspiration from science fiction and horror, McCartney collaborates with sound designers Alisdair Macindoe and Robert Downie as well as acclaimed violinist Robert Macindoe to create a haunting score.
Say it Again
Choreographer Siobhan McKenna, presents a new dance work, Say it Again, which continues her interest in exploring the relationships between movement, sound and spoken language. Marking the first time McKenna will present work in Sydney, Say it Again is a playful exploration of the act of listening and the cyclical nature of interaction. Collaborating with composer Lena Douglas, McKenna’s work features an innovative score consisting of both recorded and live sound to create an immersive experience for audiences.
FULL IN/HALF OUT
Dean Elliott, Sydney Dance Company dancer, and recipient of the top prize at the first annual Brisbane International Contemporary Dance Prix, presents his choreographic debut FULL IN/HALF OUT. The work is a playful nod to athleticism’s intersection with artistry in the dance form; to precision, tenacity and the delicate interplay of elegance and power when chasing perfection. Drawing from his own experiences as a young gymnast, Elliott weaves personal reflections while celebrating the grace and strength at the heart of both gymnastics and dance.
Breath
Current Sydney Dance Company dancer and 2022 tanz magazine Dancer of the Year, Piran Scott, presents his dance work Breath. After performing overseas for a decade, Scott views his choreographic work as an expression of homecoming; connecting to youth and nostalgia. Drawing inspiration from Tim Winton’s novel Breath and the rhythms of coastal Australian life, the dancers will perform to the music of acclaimed Australian guitarist John Butler, interwoven with sounds of the Western Australian ocean. The work portrays the profound connection between the natural environment, breath, and human emotion.
“Australia is home to a wealth of dynamic emerging dance creators, and their growth relies on the opportunities we provide.,” said Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela. “New Breed offers these emerging talents a unique platform to explore, experiment, and bring their visions to life on stage.
“Over the years, this initiative has been pivotal in launching the careers of now-celebrated choreographers who continue to innovate and challenge the norms of contemporary dance.”
Since its inception in 2014, New Breed, has provided Australian choreographers with a unique opportunity to collaborate with Sydney Dance Company, Australia’s leading voice in contemporary dance.
Renowned for its presentation of raw talent and cutting-edge ideas, New Breed is well established as the country’s most exciting platform for showcasing new dance work created by some of the country’s most gifted emerging choreographers.
The initiative celebrated its tenth year in 2023, and has so far showcased 42 world premiere works by emerging Australian dance artists. Alumni include leading contemporary choreographer Melanie Lane, Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, Daniel Riley and internationally acclaimed choreographer Gabrielle Nankivell.
New Breed
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh (Sydney)
Season: from 4 – 14 December 2024
Information and Bookings: www.sydneydancecompany.com
Image: Siobhan McKenna, Piran Scott, Amber McCartney and Dean Elliott – photo by Pedro Greig