Sydney Dance Company is thrilled to be participating in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade for the first time on Saturday 2nd March.

Sydney Dance Company’s float, Turning 50, in honour of the Company’s 50th anniversary in 2019, features a high energy, tightly rehearsed dance routine with 80 members of Sydney Dance Company’s community, led by Dance Class Manager Ramon Doringo.

Ramon will lead the synchronised marching troupe from the back of a golden Sydney Dance Company Studio float, complete with ballet bar, mirrors and performing drag divas.

Participants will wear gold costumes designed by Aleisa Jelbart that reference our golden 50th anniversary and will be an explosion of gold glitter pom poms and retro styled dance wear as the troupe perform down Oxford Street to the disco beats of DJ Sveta.

Sydney Dance Company’s entry signifies 50 years as a diverse organisation; employing a significant number of LGBTQI artists and staff and welcoming the LGBTQI community to participate and fearlessly express themselves by celebrating dance.

Dance Class Manager Ramon Doringo, who has been teaching dance classes at Sydney Dance Company for 30 years, has provided much of the inspiration for Sydney Dance Company’s participation in the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Ramon and his partner Don are celebrating their 40th anniversary together this year and it is 34 years since they first marched together in the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras with the Gay Immigration Task Force to raise awareness of their cause.

Ramon epitomizes the acceptance and fearlessness that Sydney Dance Company has always embodied as it welcomes everyone to participate and celebrate diversity through dance.