Rafael Bonachela as :

Rafael Bonachela as headArticle from: Font size: Decrease Increase Email article: Email Print article: Print Submit comment: Submit comment Fiona Purdon
November 07, 2008 11:00pm

THE man who helped Kylie Minogue create her sexy concert moves, internationally acclaimed choreographer Rafael Bonachela, is the new artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company.

The London-based Spanish choreographer will meet with dancers next week, when the company performs the Brisbane season of the highly praised Sid's Waltzing Masquerade.

Bonachela - who choreographed an original piece, 360 o, which premiered in Sydney in July - said he hoped to bring positive energy to the company which has been without an artistic director since August 2007, when director-designate Tanja Liedtke was run over and killed by a garbage truck.

The company also has been through tough financial times and last week dancers threatened to strike over wages.

The dancers held a private meeting last Thursday and late yesterday responded to the company's "genuine" wage proposal. They have submitted their suggestions to the Media, Arts and Entertainment Alliance.

MEAA industrial officer Karin Edwards said the company was "extremely close" to meeting the dancers' original claim of a 5 per cent pay increase and employer contributions to superannuation.

"In relation to physiotherapy and long service leave, we have made further suggestions in response to the company's proposal," Ms Edwards said.

Bonachela, who will maintain his casual project work as the artistic director of the Bonachela Dance Company, said he hoped to commission new work from national and international choreographers and help the Sydney Dance Company become a world leader in contemporary dance.

"The company has been through tough times but I hope to totally energise the company with my enthusiasm. I will give the job my all," he said. "I felt a real connection when working with the company this year."

Bonachela will choreograph a piece in February which will have a world premiere in March.

Company board member Darcey Bussell said Bonachela "was the right person because he had something special to give to the company in these tough times".