HE SHOULD BE SO LUCKY

time in London, where he worked on Minogue’s big-budget Fever tour, as well as choreographing video clips and live TV performances. “As a contemporary dancer I never imagined I would end up so involved with the world of pop.

“The opportunity to work with Kylie Minogue came up and I thought ‘it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and she’s an amazing artist, I’m just going to go for it’. And it was amazing, we had a long working relationship over 10 years.

“It gave me so much confidence in myself. It really taught me a lot and it’s something I will never, ever forget.’’

Bonachela went on to run his own contemporary dance company in London, then the “incredible” opportunity to work with Sydney Dance Company came up.

The company is now celebrating its 50th anniversary with a tour, bringing a triple bill from Bonachela and fellow choreographers Gabrielle Nankivell and Melanie Lane to Hobart’s Theatre Royal for three shows this week. Audiences can witness five virtuosic dancers in Bonachela’s

soar beyond the clouds in Nankivell’s new Neon Aether, and be immersed in a post-human world of primal seduction and belonging in Lane’s 2017 hit WOOF. In addition to the evening performances in Hobart, there will be opportunities to watch dancers warm up, and join a pre-show talk and Q&A.

Bonachela says hearing stories from each dancer — the age they started, the styles they studied and the trajectory of their careers — was great motivation for aspiring dancers.

“I think it’s quite liberating for young people to see there’s not just one way to do things,” Bonachela says.

“It’s good to have a plan but that plan doesn’t always go the way you want it to. You have to remain open and curious.’’

Sydney Dance Company will perform at Hobart’s Theatre Royal from August 15-17 at 7.30pm. Tickets from $42 adults, $35 concession. There’s also a free opportunity to see the company warm up at the Theatre Royal on Thursday at 2pm, followed by a Q&A session and short performance. Plus a free pre-show talk on Friday at The Old Woolstore’s theatrette at 6.45pm. Registrations are essential. Details at theatreroyal.com.au