Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Rafael Bonachela, 16 April 2024, ABC TV

In the second episode of “Creative Types,” Virginia Trioli sits down with Rafael Bonachela, the artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company, in the second episode of Creative Types. Bonachela, a Spanish-born dancer and choreographer, takes Trioli behind the scenes of his creative process and shares his journey to the top of the contemporary dance world.

The episode, airing on Tuesday 16 April on ABC TV, examines Bonachela’s early years, growing up in La Garriga, Spain, where he first discovered his passion for dance. As the eldest of four children, Bonachela faced tension and disapproval from his father, who struggled to understand his son’s non-traditional interests. Despite the challenges, Bonachela pursued his dream, eventually leaving home to study dance in Barcelona.

Bonachela’s talent and dedication led him to win an audition and scholarship to the renowned Rambert Dance Company. He danced with the company and gradually transitioned into choreography. However, his early attempts at choreography received harsh criticism, and he considered giving up. Persevering, he created a new work that caught the eye of a celebrity creative director, leading to a career-defining opportunity.

Kylie Minogue noticed Bonachela’s unique style and asked him to choreograph her iconic 2002 performance at the BRIT Awards and subsequent Fever world tour. This collaboration brought him to Australia and led to further success, including his role as artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company. Bonachela’s vision for the company emphasized youth and energy, reflecting the beauty of his adopted country.

Despite his immense success, Bonachela still sought his father’s approval. The episode explores this complex family dynamic and introduces Bonachela’s brother, Ivan, who shares how Bonachela has become a source of inspiration for his own sons. The episode also examines Bonachela’s latest work, Somos, which draws directly from his Spanish heritage.

Creative Types With Virginia Trioli airs on ABC TV at 9.00 pm on Tuesday 16 April 2024.