Now in its sixth decade, Sydney Dance Company is firmly established as Australia’s leading contemporary dance company, touring across Australia and internationally each year. Led by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, the Company ensemble of 17 dancers has become one of the world’s strongest forces in contemporary dance. Sydney Dance Company also has a reputation for providing exceptional advanced training and professional development programs.

In 2022, the David and Fee Hancock Foundation supported a 12-month Traineeship position with Sydney Dance Company’s ensemble for aspiring professional dancer, Sophie Jones.

Sophie Jones grew up in Angourie (NSW) and trained with the Adele Lewis School of Dance. At the age of 14, she moved to Burleigh Heads (QLD) to begin full-time ballet training and further her studies with Prudence Bowen Atelier. After years of extensive practice, she received a traineeship with The Joffrey Ballet in Chicago and moved overseas.

Pursuing an interest in contemporary dance, Sophie completed her Diploma in Dance, and Advanced Diploma in Dance, with Sydney Dance Company’s Pre-Professional Year program before graduating in 2021.

The Sydney Dance Company Traineeship in 2022 enabled Sophie to expand her artistic practice through creative collaborations in a range of choreographic styles. As part of the professional ensemble, Sophie performed in new work on stage in Sydney and in critically acclaimed repertoire by Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela in theatres across the country and in France, including the prestigious Théâtre National de Chaillot in Paris.

Sophie has since been offered a contract with Sydney Dance Company and continues as part of the ensemble in 2023.

Sydney Dance Company thanks the David and Fee Hancock Foundation for its investment in the next generation of Australian contemporary dance artists and for supporting this life-changing opportunity for Sophie.