★★★★☆
It is not uncommon in our country’s thriving theatre scene to have multiple shows opening over the same weekend. Such is the case in Brisbane right now, with at least five shows plus a festival hitting the stages over the next few days. One offering that should not be overlooked is Elastic Hearts, presented by Queensland Ballet (QB) and HOTA, Home of the Arts.
In 2025, QB and HOTA announced a landmark three-year partnership and the creation of three music-led world premieres. The first collaboration, Elastic Hearts, premiered in November at HOTA on the Gold Coast. It now returns at QB’s home in Brisbane as part of its 2026 season. An announcement for the second production is not too far away.
Elastic Hearts features the music and vocals of global pop icon Sia, reimagined with cinematic power by Elliott Wheeler in a recorded score by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Director and choreographer Garry Stewart has drawn on ballet and contemporary dance techniques to find original and fresh new dimensions in the QB company’s artistry. The result is an exhilarating production exploring nature, creativity and resilience.
Any fan will understand that fusing Sia’s music with dance feels like a logical next step. Over the years, Dance Moms star Maddie Ziegler appeared in multiple music videos, most notably Chandelier and Elastic Heart. Emulating Sia’s hair with a platinum wig, Ziegler brought her frenetic and expressive dance moves to the videos and started a long-standing professional partnership with the singer.
Here, a company of 17 dancers do something similar, all wearing the iconic blonde wig (including the male dancers), and matching silky, almost ninja-style outfits of red and fuchsia, all designed by Charles Davis.
Overseeing the company is ‘Gaia,’ a commanding figure played by Georgia Swan who wears a goddess-like costume that feels like it has been pulled from another world.
The work kicks off with a remix of Cheap Thrills, and the dancers use the multi-levelled, curving sloped stage as an actual slippery dip. It is a joyously special start. The cheeky dancers are beaming, and it is always great to see classically trained professionals cutting loose in a style other than traditional ballet.
Stewart’s choreography is strong and visually engaging. Rarely is there a moment to take a breath in the one-hour work. Speaking of breath, one segment sees a group of dancers moving, in complete silence, with just their emphasised breaths to keep the rhythm.
The dancers’ athleticism is impressive; their formations are mesmerising, and each transition flows effortlessly into the next. It is incredibly hard to single out individual dancers when they are dressed exactly the same. At least one dancer was having the time of her life though – her joy was infectious to watch.
The orchestral adaptations work exceptionally well. The decision to pepper Sia’s raw and powerful vocals in strategic moments throughout is most effective. There’s no track listing in the program, but music nerds will detect Unstoppable, Titanium, The Greatest and also one of her earlier breakout hits, Breathe Me.
The title song, Elastic Heart, is naturally featured and recurs in motifs throughout the piece. But it is Chandelier that is the emotional highlight, which sees five dancers swinging from, well, you know. It is an overwhelmingly joyous moment.
By the time Elastic Hearts comes to a close, we are not ready to say goodbye. But we are grateful for the journey. Queensland Ballet continues to deliver daring new work that looks beyond the conventions of the art form. Its partnership with HOTA promises a future to get excited about.
Elastic Hearts is presented by Queensland Ballet and HOTA, Home of the Arts. It runs to 9 May at the Talbot Theatre. Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road West End Qld 4101.
Tickets: https://purchase.queenslandballet.com.au/overview/3408
Website: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/performances/2026/elastic-hearts
Socials: Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hotagc/ and https://www.instagram.com/qldballet/
Photo credits: David Kelly
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2 responses to “Review: Elastic Hearts Brings Joy Through Dance & The Music Of Sia”
The way dance and Sia’s music intertwine sounds so moving. Did they incorporate any original choreography?
Yes – it was all original. I have just made that a bit more clear in my review!