Spring Dance 2012

Overview

Sydney's international dance festival is back at the Sydney Opera House from August 20 to September 2. This year's Spring Dance programme, a two-week line-up of the world's best dancers and choreographers, has been curated by Rafael Bonachela, artistic director at Sydney Dance Company.

Leading the bill is Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's haunting follow-up to Babel, Dunas, created with flamenco artist Maria Pages. Other highlights include a high-energy mix of street dance in Correria Agwa (Running Water), new works from four gifted female choreographers in Sydney Dance Company's Contemporary Women, critically acclaimed performances from Chinese choreographer Tao Ye, the melding of dance with art installation and soundscape that makes Clouds Above Berlin, and homegrown talents representing the brightest and most diverse dance-makers in Australia.

The festival will also feature a series of masterclasses from the choreographers behind the shows for $30 a class (bookings must be made by August 8), plus free masterclasses including ballet with David McAllister, artistic director of the Australian Ballet and a jazz class with the Sydney Dance Company's Ramon Doringo. There will also be film screenings, a festival bar and Q&A sessions, all at Sydney Opera House.