Conversations New Beginnings: How Rafael Bonachela let out his inner showgirl with Kylie Minogue
Jan 16, 2026
Rafael Bonachela, a Spanish-born contemporary dancer and choreographer, shares his remarkable journey from a patriarchal upbringing in Spain to the vibrant stage of international dance. He reflects on overcoming family expectations, bullies, and finding his artistic voice as a 'showgirl' at heart. The pivotal moment came with Kylie's email inviting him to choreograph a performance, leading to a creative partnership that flourished in Las Vegas. Rafael also discusses taking the helm at Sydney Dance Company during a period of grief and how Australia has shaped his artistry.
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Small-Town Performer Becomes A Dancer
- Rafael Bonachela grew up in La Garriga, a small Spanish town where he performed in the square and invented choreography as a child.
- He left at 17 on a scholarship to pursue dance and joined a company in Barcelona.
Cultural Shift Opened Creative Doors
- Spain's post-Franco liberalisation opened cultural spaces like Catalan-language teaching and local festivals.
- Those changes created opportunities that shaped Rafael's early artistic exposure.
Thriller And Fame Sparked A Dream
- Rafael discovered dance ambition from Michael Jackson's Thriller and the TV series Fame, even running a school radio show about fame.
- He kept the cassette and book that inspired him and performed relentlessly as a child.
