New Breed
Sydney Dance Company and Carriageworks
Sydney Dance Company and Carriageworks are pleased to announce the Australian dance makers commissioned to create world premiere performances for New Breed 2024, generously supported by The Balnaves Foundation.
Presenting innovative vision and a rich diversity of choreographic ideas, rising dance makers Amber McCartney, Dean Elliott, Piran Scott, and Siobhan McKenna will debut new works, performed by members of Sydney Dance Company, at Carriageworks from 4-14 December 2024, offering a glimpse into the future of Australian dance.
Since its inception in 2014, New Breed, an annual showcase of Australia’s most exciting emerging choreography, 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.
This year’s program leads the next wave of future dance choreography, featuring works by Amber McCartney, an award-winning dancer and recipient of the John Truscott Artists Award, Chloe Munro Fellowship, and Green Room Award; Dean Elliott, an acclaimed New Zealand-born dancer currently with Sydney Dance Company who will make his choreographic debut with New Breed; Piran Scott, also with Sydney Dance Company, who has worked with the likes of Alexander Ekman and recognised as Dancer of the Year 2022 by tanz magazine Europe; and Siobhan McKenna, an ATLAS scholarship recipient and multi award winner for previous choreographic work, including Melbourne Fringe Festival’s Best Dance Award in 2017.
Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela said: “Australia is home to a wealth of dynamic emerging dance creators, and their growth relies on the opportunities we provide. 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. I am delighted to introduce this year’s choreographers for New Breed 2024, and can’t wait to witness the fresh perspectives they will bring to the stage.”
Carriageworks CEO Fergus Linehan said: “New Breed is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Carriageworks calendar. It is a unique platform for innovative work of emerging choreographic talent, brought to life by this exceptional company of dancers. We are deeply honoured to be home to this outstanding program.”
Victoria Balnaves of The Balnaves Foundation said: “The Balnaves Foundation is delighted to continue supporting Sydney Dance Company in engaging outstanding new choreographic talent through the New Breed program. Over the past 10 years, this important platform has provided a unique opportunity for independent and emerging choreographers to showcase their vision. Since inception, 39 dance makers have presented dynamic and innovative works through New Breed, delighting audiences with their creativity. We are thrilled to welcome these four exciting choreographers to the New Breed alumni when Sydney Dance Company takes to the stage in December.”
Bookings: https://www.sydneydancecompany.com/performance/new-breed-2024/
