Sydney Dance Company and Carriageworks, in conjunction with The Balnaves Foundation, announce four Australian choreographers commissioned to create works for the acclaimed New Breed initiative that supports Australia’s next generation of dance-makers.
Co-presented by two of Australia’s most dynamic arts organisations – Carriageworks and Sydney Dance Company – with the generous support of The Balnaves Foundation, New Breed 2018 will provide Australian choreographers Prue Lang (Melbourne), Katina Olsen (Sydney/Sunshine Coast), Holly Doyle (Sydney) and Janessa Dufty (Yamba) with an invaluable opportunity to work with Australia’s finest contemporary dancers on a newly commissioned dance piece.
These four new works will comprise the New Breed 2018 season from 29 November to 8 December 2018. The New Breed initiative made its debut in November 2014, supporting five emerging Australian choreographers through the commissioning and presentation of new dance work. Four sold out seasons in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 ensued.
Adelaide-based New Breed 2014 choreographer Gabrielle Nankivell was the recipient of the 2015 Tanja Liedtke Fellowship for her New Breed premiere, Wildebeest. Wildebeest was part of Sydney Dance Company’s stunning double bill Untamed in 2016, and nominated for a Helpmann Award for Best Choreography in a Ballet, Dance or Physical Theatre Production in 2017. It went on to bepart of Sydney Dance Company’s European Spring Tour in April 2018, which included sold-out performances at the Chaillot – Théâtre National de la Danse in Paris.
The fifth instalment in the New Breed initiative, will see Carriageworks, Sydney Dance Company and The Balnaves Foundation continue their commitment to the future of Australian contemporary dance, by supporting independent choreographers Prue Lang, Katina Olsen, Holly Doyle and Janessa Dufty. From August, these dance makers will benefit from the extensive support of all the departments of Australia’s leading contemporary dance company, in readiness for their premiere season, later this year.
Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela says, ‘For almost half a century, Sydney Dance Company has been the home of contemporary dance in Australia, with a strong dedication to nurturing the next generation of Australian choreographic artists. We are proud to further contribute to this legacy through a unique program, and to invest in what we believe is the very foundation of the future of Australian contemporary dance – its creators.’
Carriageworks Director Lisa Havilah says, ‘Carriageworks’ partnership with Sydney Dance Company to support the development and presentation of this series of new works continues our commitment to collaboration and to showcasing new work from Australia’s most innovative emerging choreographers. We are thrilled to continue to provide this ongoing platform for contemporary dance with Sydney Dance Company and the Balnaves Foundation.’
Victoria Balnaves of The Balnaves Foundation says, ‘The Balnaves Foundation is delighted to again be supporting Sydney Dance Company in engaging outstanding new choreographic talent through the 2018 New Breed program. The New Breed program is a vital platform for emerging choreographers to push boundaries, explore creativity and expand their professional practice. The outcome of this innovative program has been extraordinary to date and has resulted in New Breed performances being taken on tour Australia wide as well as overseas. This next season should be especially exciting as it the first time the New Breed program has showcased all female created works.’