Sydney Dance Company 2026 Season

Engine Ignites Sydney Dance Company’s 2026 with Bold New Works, Global Choreographers and Powerful Contemporary Dance

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In 2026, Sydney Dance Company ignites a year of bold artistic collaboration, presenting powerful choreographic ideas in a season defined by empowerment, curiosity and fearless exploration. Reflecting the Company’s rich legacy while forging new creative pathways, 2026 celebrates the evolving landscape of contemporary dance across major stages, intimate spaces and ambitious programs supporting independent artists.

Season One launches in June at the Sydney Opera House with Engine, a striking triple bill uniting three extraordinary choreographic voices. Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela premieres The Journey Itself is Home, featuring a score by Grammy Award-winning composer Bryce Dessner and inspired by the poetry of Matsuo Bashō.

The program also marks the Australian premiere of The Mass Ornament by Berlin-based Spanish choreographer Fran Diaz, set to the music of Henryk Górecki, and the return of Melanie Lane’s viral sensation Love Lock. A reimagined folk dance of the future, Love Lock features costume design by Akira Isogawa and a pulsing score by UK electronic artist Clark.

Celebrating 40 Years of Sydney Dance Company

Across August and September, the Company celebrates 40 years at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, culminating in Season Two’s Current at the Neilson Studio. Featuring new works by Raghav Handa, Jenni Large and Azzam Mohamed, alongside Bonachela’s E2 7SD, Current offers an intimate, electrifying portrait of contemporary Australian dance.

The year also sees the fifth edition of INDance, reaffirming Sydney Dance Company’s commitment to nurturing independent dance and connecting adventurous ideas with curious audiences.

Engine is a striking triple bill set to ignite the Sydney Opera House stage with raw power. Uniting three extraordinary choreographers, Engine promises an exhilarating, electrifying performance. The program features the premiere of The Journey Itself is Home, Rafael Bonachela’s newest work, the Australian debut of Fran Diaz’s hypnotic The Mass Ornament, and the return of audience favourite and critically acclaimed Love Lock by Melanie Lane. 

Dates: 24 June 2026 – 12 July 2026

Venue: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Secure your seat to both our 2026 productions and enjoy exclusive subscriber benefits. Save 15%, receive priority seating, and enjoy flexible booking — the best value for the full season.