With no allocated seating, the audiences rushes in, eager to claim a prime spot. The intimate black-box theatre is dominated by a slightly elevated stage, set theatre-in-the-round, each of the four sides is surrounded by three rows of seating.  It quickly becomes apparent—there isn’t a bad seat in the house. 

Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director, Rafael Bonachela, brings back his triumphant Somos to Sydney. After its sold-out world premiere in late 2023, the season was extended due to overwhelming demand.

Initially, the stage is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling transparent red ribbons made of gauze. Somewhat concealed behind the curtains are prowling dancers, locking eyes with audience members before slipping away. The effect is intimate – the ribbons create the effect of voyeurism.

Sydney Dance Company is renowned for its world-class contemporary dancers, and Somos (Spanish for “we are”) is a testament to their artistry. Bonachela’s choreography gives each dancer a moment to shine through an intricate weave of solos, duets, and trios. The work celebrates both individuality and connection, exploring the magnetic forces between bodies in motion.

The dancers flow, revolve, lift, stretch, and entwine — bodies folding into and around one another with mesmerising fluidity. In perfect synchronicity, two female dancers playfully lift each other with ease. There’s barely a moment for applause before the next sequence unfolds. The music shifts, and with it, the movement — tempo accelerating into a whirlwind of power and precision. Every beat of the score is reflected in the dancers’ bodies, their movements vigorous, dynamic, relentless.

Bonachela, who has led Sydney Dance Company since 2008, draws inspiration from Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, particularly his use of Latin music and strong female characters. The soundtrack (click here to listen), curated by Bonachela, features 12 songs by iconic Hispanic women artists, layered with the atmospheric sounds of Madrid’s streets. 

Lighting by Damien Cook bathes the stage in washes of red, white, beige, and blue, shifting with the emotional undercurrents of the performance. Costume designer Kelsey Lee outfits each dancer in neutral tones — black, nude, sheer textures. The attire is futuristic and sensual, exposing the dancers’ bodies while allowing absolute freedom of movement. Barefoot, men and women alike wear fishnet overlays, fitted boxers, black lace bodysuits, and sleek leather arm coverings.

To witness Somos up close is to experience dance in its purest form. The sound of bare feet slapping against the floor, the glisten of sweat on sculpted bodies. At one point, the dancers perch at the edge of the stage, mere centimeters from the audience, catching their breath. It’s a chance to marvel at their sheer physicality. Remarkably, on some days, the dancers perform this demanding work three times.

50 minutes is not long enough. As the show closes and the dancers depart the stage, the audience remains seated —transfixed, not reluctant for the performance to end. Once again, Somos proves to be a resounding success.

5 stars

Running 27 March – 6 April 2025

To purchase tickets visit Sydney Dance Company