This year, Sydney Dance Company and Carriageworks mark a decade of fostering innovative choreography through New Breed. Committed to championing the next generation of rich choreographic voices, this year’s edition promises to be a season of dynamic and vibrant works by four exciting choreographers: Tra Mi Dinh, Beau Dean Riley Smith, Eliza Cooper, and Riley Fitzgerald.
New Breed: Nurturing the Future of Contemporary Dance
Sydney Dance Company’s dedication to supporting emerging Australian artists and shaping the future of contemporary dance lies at the heart of their mission. New Breed, made possible through the unwavering support of The Balnaves Foundation, has provided a platform for 35 emerging dance artists to present world premiere works with Sydney Dance Company over the past ten years.
This December, the stage at Carriageworks will be graced by four new and thrilling works, each a testament to the innovation and creativity thriving in the world of contemporary dance.
To celebrate a decade of this pivotal program, Sydney Dance Company has launched a brand-new documentary, The Journey of New Breed. This six-part series showcases how New Breed has evolved over the years and the lasting impact it’s had on the careers of countless emerging choreographers. Featuring interviews with Rafael Bonachela, Victoria and Hamish Balnaves, and past choreographers, each episode highlights New Breed’s enduring legacy of supporting Australian dancemakers with the support of Carriageworks and The Balnaves Foundation.
Meet the Visionaries: Choreographers of New Breed 2023
Tra Mi Dinh
Australian dancer and choreographer Tra Mi Dinh, born in Darlinghurst in 1993, brings a unique perspective to the New Breed stage. As the recent recipient of the Keir Choreographic Award for her work The ___, Tra Mi’s artistic journey includes collaborations with renowned companies and artists. Her choreographic exploration, supported by various residencies, showcases a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Tra Mi’s presence adds a dynamic layer to the New Breed lineup.
Beau Dean Riley Smith
Hailing from Dubbo, NSW, Beau Dean Riley Smith, a Wiradjuri and Gamillaraay man, has left an indelible mark on the dance landscape. A former member of Bangarra Dance Theatre, Beau’s illustrious career spans over a decade, featuring performances in 22 major productions and award-winning choreography. His passion for First Nations storytelling shines through in works like Miyagan, and his recent ventures into musical theatre underscore the depth of his artistic versatility.
Eliza Cooper
A graduate of the Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year program, Eliza Cooper’s artistic evolution is a testament to her dedication to dance and choreography. From flamenco ensembles to full-length works like Old Life/ Dead Life and Bat Lake, Eliza’s choreographic prowess has graced esteemed venues nationwide. Her recognition extends beyond the stage, with a prestigious ATLAS Choreographic Training Programme scholarship in 2023, reflecting her commitment to continuous artistic growth.
Riley Fitzgerald
Riley Fitzgerald’s dance odyssey commenced in a country Victoria hip-hop class at the age of 10, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. Joining Sydney Dance Company in 2019, Riley’s performances in nationally and internationally acclaimed works showcase his technical strength and artistic depth. From his early experiences at the Anita Coutts School of Dance to extensive tours with the Ballet National de Marseille in France, Riley’s trajectory underscores the transformative power of dance.
New Breed
Sydney Dance Company
6 – 16 Dec, 2023
New Breed is made possible by The Balnaves Foundation and co-presented by Sydney Dance Company and Carriageworks.