Sydney news

Tom Dery, Chair of Sydney Dance Company, today announced the appointment of Australian-based freelance choreographer Tanja Liedtke as the successor to the position of Artistic Director, held by Graeme Murphy since 1976.

Tom Dery stated that “following a world wide search, I am very pleased today to formally declare, on behalf of the full Board of Directors at SDC, our delight at the appointment of Ms. Liedtke to this pivotal position in the Australian dance community.

"Tanja meets all of the attributes the Board sought in the successful applicant – an original choreographic voice, a clearly defined creative spirit and the energy and commitment to take Sydney Dance Company forward into the future.

"The Board would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon for 30 years of consummate artistry and commitment, as well as paving the way for Australian dance and dancers to reach the highest level of success both at home and abroad.”

German born Tanja Liedtke began her dance and theatre studies in Madrid, and later graduated from the Ballet Rambert School before taking up residence in Sydney in 1996. Tanja was a member of Australian Dance Theatre for four years, touring Australia, Asia, the UK and North America. She joined Lloyd Newson’s DV8 Physical Theatre in 2003, dancing throughout Europe in Mr. Newson's The Cost of Living and Just for Show. In tandem with her career as a performer, Tanja pursued her distinct choreographic voice. She has choreographed for Australian Dance Theatre's Ignition Seasons (receiving Dance Australia Critic’s Choice for most promising choreography in 1999 and 2000); Tasdance, De Anima Ballet Contemporaneo (Brazil); Akademie des Tanzes (Germany); Taipei Idea (Taiwan); and David Hughes Dance Company (Scotland) among others.

In 2004 Tanja created her first full-length work Twelfth Floor. Following a sellout season at The Performance Space in Sydney and critical acclaim, the work was nominated for numerous Australian Dance Awards, receiving the 2006 award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography. Ms. Liedtke will premiere her new work CONSTRUCT at the South Bank Centre, London on May 11.

Ms. Liedtke today said of her appointment; “I am absolutely ecstatic to be appointed Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company. I am thrilled at the opportunity to continue creating new dance works with Australian artists. It is a privilege to be chosen to lead Sydney Dance Company into a new era, and an honour to be the successor of Graeme Murphy: an icon of Australian dance”.

Following in the spirit of Sydney Dance Company's long held vision, Ms. Liedtke will create original works for the company and initiate collaborations with Australian and international artists in the fields of choreography, music and design.

Graeme Murphy, former Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company stated that he felt, "the Board had made an excellent choice. Someone on the cusp of a really interesting career - someone young, who will grow in the role in the way that I had the chance to grow in the role from a young age. What is going to emerge from this will be a new era in dance, which is as it should be. A new adventure is about to unfold."

Tanja Liedtke will formally commence her appointment on October 2, and will program the 2008 season for the Company. Sydney Dance Company will announce its plans for the 2008 program later in the year.