Lucy Guerin to step down from Lucy Guerin Inc in 2026

Lucy Guerin AO, founder and Artistic Director of Melbourne-based contemporary dance company Lucy Guerin Inc (LGI), announced on 23 June that she will step down at the end of 2026. To mark her departure, Guerin will create and perform a new solo dance work in October 2026—her first performance since 2013 and her final with the company. Recent LGI works will continue touring through 2027 and 2028. Guerin founded LGI in 2002 and has created 26 works over 25 years, with a 27th (her solo) forthcoming. She cited a desire to hand over leadership and return to independent artistry. LGI Chair Peter Jopling AM KC praised her legacy, noting the company is 'artistically vital, financially sound, internationally respected.' Guerin's departure is part of a wave of leadership changes in Australian dance: Raewyn Hill (Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia) steps down end of 2026, Kyle Page and Amber Haines (Dancenorth Australia) leave in 2027, and Rafael Bonachela (Sydney Dance Company) departs in 2028. Guerin expressed confidence in the next generation of choreographers, many supported through LGI's annual program 'Pieces for Small Spaces' (launched 2005). She hopes the company's commitment to research, experimentation, and dialogue endures.