Lisa Maris McDonell awarded prestigious dance fellowship

Presented by the NSW Government through Create NSW with Sydney Dance Company, the prestigious $30,000 Fellowship supports a choreographer, dancer, producer, composer or designer to pursue an intense period of engagement with the eminent performing arts company over 12 to 18 months.

Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said she was proud to see local talent recognised.

“Lisa has achieved considerable recognition within Australia for her dynamic and provocative performance works. I look forward to seeing what she achieves while drawing on the world-class resources of Sydney Dance Company,” Mrs Hancock said.

Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela said she is excited for Ms McDonell and the opportunities the Company will offer her.

“Nurturing emerging choreographers and creative artists is such an important part of Sydney Dance Company’s activities and it is even more important that we can offer Lisa the opportunity to develop her leadership skills,” Mr Bonachela said.

Ms Maris McDonell said she was excited and grateful for the opportunity.

“Dance practice in regional areas is thriving, and I am really thrilled for what this opportunity means for our little corner of NSW,” Ms McDonell said.

“There are few opportunities for dance artists to gain the hands-on knowledge an organisation like Sydney Dance Company possesses when it comes to leading and delivering dance projects. This very meaningful support will assist me not only financially, but also practically.”

The Beyond the Studio: Early to Mid-Career Dance Fellowship is part of a suite of Creative Leadership opportunities offered by Create NSW.