Ryan Pearson

13/11/1943 - 20/03/2026 Today, we come together to honour and celebrate the life of our beloved Nanna, Mary Joyce Pearson — a woman whose strength, love, and spirit touched so many lives. Nanna Mary’s story is one of resilience and courage. As a member of the Stolen Generations, she endured hardships that many of us can only begin to imagine. Yet through it all, she rose with grace and strength, becoming Australia’s first Indigenous classical ballet dancer for the WA Ballet Company — a remarkable achievement and a testament to her determination and talent. But beyond her accomplishments, Nanna Mary was the heart of our family. She was a mother to her three children — Glenn, Kim, and David — and a guiding light to her nine grandchildren: Kira, Kirstein, Rachael, Trisha, Natalie, Ryan, Joshua, Kylee, and Lauren. She didn’t just love us — she raised us, stood beside us, and was involved in every step of our lives. She was our protector, our teacher, and our biggest supporter. Nanna was a rock not only for our family, but for her community. So many people leaned on her, and she always gave her time, her strength, and her love without hesitation. Her presence brought comfort, her voice brought wisdom, and her spirit brought people together. We take comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain. We imagine her now — dancing again, free and joyful — reunited with Uncle David, Aunty Dulcie, Uncle Des, her mum, and her dad. We are deeply grateful to her son, who made sure that the remainder of her time on this earth was filled with love, care, and dignity. Nanna Mary’s legacy lives on through all of us — her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Her love is woven into who we are, and it will continue to guide us every day. Nanna Mary Joyce Pearson, we love you more than words can say. We will miss you deeply — in our homes, in our hearts, and in our lives. But we know you are finally at peace. Fly high, our little songbird. You are finally free. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Nanna Mary.

As this New Breed season comes to a close. I’d like to thank everyone who was involved with the creation of ‘Save Point’. To the dancers. You have given a full heart to the young boy inside me and I have loved seeing you all perform the show every night! 🎮🎮 @jamainew18 you crack! I can’t believe we did this together. What an achievement for both of us. Always will be ‘Ryan and Jamaine’. 💕💕 Thank you @aleisajelbart for the amazingly fun costumes. Loved reminiscing about school with you while working on the garments. 🧡 Thank you @berlage for bringing this show to life with your amazing lights. ❤️ Thank you @sydneydanceco & @rafaelbonachela for this opportunity to express myself as a choreographer. Very grateful. 🩵🩵 1st photo @pedrogreig 2nd photo @treasuers 3rd photo @belindarollandphoto

Based on Gadigal Land at Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Sydney Dance Company is at the forefront of contemporary dance, pioneering and continuously evolving the artform. The Company’s international reputation reflects contemporary Australia on a global scale, connecting with diverse audiences worldwide under artistic direction of Rafael Bonachela. @sydneydanceco Words by Joella Marcus (she/her) Link in bio. Read on site. Image credits: Pedro Greig

Had the most incredible time in the breathtaking country of Slovenia! From the fairytale beauty of Lake Bled to the charm of Ljubljana, performing at Cankarjev Dom, and fully living my Eurovision fantasy — every moment was unforgettable. My heart is so full! 🩵✨🇸🇮

Haven’t had any complaints.. 🧸🧸

Dance Noir 2024 📸 @emilybethseymour Xx 💄 @ivy_leaguee 🩷

“Twofold” Opening tonight! ❤️🔒 @sydneydanceco - “Impermanence” by @rafaelbonachela - “Love Lock” by @melahhnee Tickets here: / 📸: @pedrogreig

Me and @beaudrsmith at the Opening Night of “Momenta” by @sydneydanceco Necklace by the amazing @emflann 📸 @belindarollandphoto

We are utterly thrilled to welcome @r.d.pearson to Sydney Dance Company! Ryan is of Biripi and Worimi descent on his mother’s side and Minang, Goreng and Balardung on his father’s side. He was born and raised on Biripi Country / Taree, New South Wales. He began his dance training at @naisda_dance_college at age 16, learning from a number of renowned teachers and choreographers. Ryan joined @bangarradancetheatre in 2017 as part of the Russell Page Graduate Program and made his debut in the acclaimed ‘Bennelong’. Over seven years, he performed with the Company throughout Australia and internationally, led by renowned storytellers Stephen Page and Frances Rings. Ryan was nominated in the 2020 Australian Dance Awards for Most Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer for his performance in Jiri Kylian’s ‘Stamping Ground’ (2019 Production, ‘30 years of sixty-five thousand’). In 2023, Ryan presented his first choreographic work, ‘5 Minute Call’ as part of Dance Clan. See Ryan on stages across Australia and internationally. Explore performances at the link in bio 🔗 📸 @pedrogreig #SydneyDanceCompany #2024SDC

Bangarra 2023 📸 @daniel.boud

Words cannot describe the amazing week that was the first week of the Dance X Festival! The conversations and relationships coming out of this week have brought into me a new life and perspective on the craft that is Australian Dance. Thank you @ausballet especially @officialdavidhallberg for this epic and hugely successful week, not just on the stage but also in forming new connections for all artists involved. Our week has ended however the next two weeks will show more amazing companies that this country has to offer. Part II Including @qldballet , @karulprojects & Aus Ballet from 25th - 27th October Part III Including: @ausdancetheatre , @chunkymove , @marrugeku & Aus Ballet From 29th - 1st November. Grab info and Tickets here: .au/performances/dancex#dates-and-times

Celebrations after a week of shows. Love my family. Jamaine Wilesmith ❤️ Fay Ridgeway ❤️