Engine
Sydney Dance Company
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
June 26, 2026
Sydney Dance Company’s latest triple bill, Engine, currently being performed at the Sydney Opera House, is a powerful display of artistry and emotional intensity. The distinct works by three choreographers allow for an insightful exploration of relationship dynamics and the human experience, while showcasing the high standard of technique held by the company’s dancers.
Love Lock, by Melanie Lane, was easily the highlight of the night, capturing the stylistic ideas of folk dance through a futuristic lens. Dancer Finn Armstrong stood out through his incredible solos. His ability to fully embody a sense of groove and character made him incredibly captivating to watch. All aspects of this work felt purposeful and significant. As an audience member, you are able to identify everyday human movements, shifted ever so slightly to create an other-worldly character. The dancers’ use of their own vocals added another layer of texture to this already distinctive piece. There were constantly new elements to look at, which I would usually find overwhelming, but here everything felt purposeful and necessary, making the work incredibly rich and beautifully textured.
The Mass Ornament, a powerful new work by Fran Diaz, explores society, the human experience, and the interactions between individuals and the collective. The music was a powerful element, binding the piece together. The dancers used their physicality to portray emotion and explore connection between individuals. While the work contained unique ideas, it felt under-rehearsed at times and lacked clarity in its musicality.
To finish the triple bill was Rafael Bonachela’s newest work, The Journey Itself is Home, which felt like a goodbye to his company and a reflection on his journey with Sydney Dance Company. Lucy Angel’s captivating solo was key to the piece and held the audience entranced. Her incredible technique and artistry allowed the audience to feel her expression completely.
The lighting by Damien Cooper was a stand-out element of the night, effectively holding the three works together and adding to the overall experience and ambience of the show.
Overall, this show is a must-see. With three different choreographers’ responses to such powerful ideas, the final product is highly unique, and it is clear that all dancers in Sydney Dance Company understood their importance on the stage. Rafael Bonachela’s vision for the triple bill showcases his immense appreciation for the broad range of styles and emotions his dancers can perform. As an aspiring professional, this collection of works was so inspiring and demonstrates why I, and so many others, love dance.
- Olivia Hayes Marshall
Olivia is old full-time student at Alegria Ballet Studios
The Dance Australia Young Dance Scholar programme is made possible through the generous support of World Ballet Crown and their parent company, Eleve Stage Events
