A full orchestra, a global pop catalogue and a contemporary dance company come together in West End, where Queensland Ballet is presenting a reimagined ballet set to the music of Sia, transforming familiar radio hits into a live performance shaped for the stage.
Performances run from April 30 to May 9, 2026, at the Talbot Theatre inside the Thomas Dixon Centre, with additional shows added due to demand.
A New Sound for Familiar Songs
The production, titled Elastic Hearts, draws on Sia’s original tracks but reshapes them through orchestral arrangements by Elliott Wheeler. Known for his work in film, Wheeler adapted the songs into extended pieces suited for ballet, allowing the music to stretch beyond its original structure.
The score was recorded by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Nigel Gaynor, using a layered recording process rather than a single live session. Sections of the orchestra were recorded separately and later combined, creating a detailed and controlled sound that supports the choreography.
Movement Built on Emotion and Connection
Choreographer Garry Stewart, a former artistic director of Australian Dance Theatre, developed the work as a response to Sia’s music. His approach focuses on physical intensity and emotional range, using movement to reflect themes of resilience, relationships and change.
Stewart’s concept centres on the idea that people adapt under pressure, drawing from the emotional tone of Sia’s songs. He links these ideas to natural cycles, where growth, decay and renewal shape both the environment and human experience.
Nature Shapes the Stage
The visual direction of the production reflects Stewart’s long-standing interest in nature. The character of Gaia, drawn from Greek mythology, acts as a symbolic presence throughout the performance, representing the Earth and the forces that connect life.
Set and costume designer Charles Davis builds this environment on stage, while lighting by Alexander Berlage supports shifts in mood and movement, helping guide the audience through the work’s changing tone.
A Different Direction for Queensland Ballet
Artistic director Ivan Gil-Ortega positions Elastic Hearts as a contrast to the company’s earlier production Messa da Requiem, which focused on large-scale choral work. In comparison, this ballet leans into contemporary energy, driven by rhythm and recognisable music.
The response from early audiences and critics has been strong, with reviews noting the blend of ballet technique and pop influence. The production reflects a shift in how ballet companies engage wider audiences, using familiar music as a starting point for new work.
The project also brings together several South Australian links. Sia, originally from Adelaide, shares a connection with Stewart, who spent years working in the city.
The season at West End places an international music figure within a local arts setting, supported by Australian creatives and performers.
Published 30-April-2026
