Review: Elastic Hearts Presented By Queensland Ballet & HOTA
The opening of Queensland Ballet’s Elastic Hearts was a night of exquisite artistry that left the audience on their feet in a standing ovation. Set to the music of Australia’s own Sia, Elastic Hearts is a powerful symphony of movement, music and imagery.
Elastic Hearts blooms with passion, playfulness and an irresistible touch of pink that coloured both the stage and the audience. Performing exclusively at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast, the show is an electrifying display of contemporary ballet where every movement is charged from the soul.
The work opens with Gaia, the goddess of the Earth and centrepiece of the production. As the spectacle unfolds, she is gradually joined on stage by an ensemble of Sia-inspired dancers draped head to toe in pink suits, red sneakers and the iconic blonde bob.
Garry Stewart’s colourful choreography fuses ballet and contemporary elements to toy with the resilient nature of the human spirit. And as the performance unfolds, each dancer, though mirroring the same image, moves with such vibrant individuality. Their creativity bursts through with every step.
The work opens with Gaia the goddess of the Earth and centrepiece of the production Photo by David Kelly
Sia’s soundtrack forms the beating heart of the production. Elliot Wheeler’s orchestral arrangement elevates the music to pure magic. The rich tones of the strings with the striking pulse of percussion in Sia’s most iconic hits burst with emotional rawness, creating some of Elastic Hearts’ most showstopping moments.
The costume and set design by Charles Davis are nothing short of breathtaking. Every costume, prop, and set piece is deeply symbolic, carrying intricate detail that blends to create a visual masterpiece.
A ramp positioned at the back of the stage transforms into a slide that the ensemble frequently plays upon, adding striking visual depth to both the choreography and storytelling.
Other symbolic elements, including a human heart gliding across the stage and sheer curtains drifting through scenes, enhance the production’s powerful imagery and amplify the dancers’ movement.
The most powerful moment comes during Sias iconic Chandelier Photo by David Kelly
Stewart’s choreography radiates a quirky and vibrant flavour, combining the precision and poise of ballet with an irresistibly funky, contemporary feel. The intricate shapes, patterns and formations are mesmerising. Each transition flows effortlessly into the next; the ensemble taking the audience along on their transformative journey.
The chemistry and connection among the dancers is extraordinary to watch. Their passion is palpable, their hearts entirely in the performance and one another. There are moments that are as moving emotionally as they are visually breathtaking.
Each dancer performs from the soul, commanding the stage with technical brilliance and expressive depth that leaves the audience utterly spellbound. The most powerful moment comes during Sia’s iconic Chandelier, when chandeliers descend from above and transform into swings. It’s a literal and thrilling nod to ‘swinging from the chandelier’ that sent a ripple of exhilaration through the crowd.
Queensland Ballet has delivered a work that is daringly modern and profoundly raw. It is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and connection. With a vibrant vision, heartfelt performance, and creative excellence, Elastic Hearts cements itself as a must-see performance and a monumental addition to the Australian dance landscape.
Queensland Ballet and HOTA, Home of the Arts present Elastic Hearts featuring the music of Sia at HOTA for four performances only from 6 – 8 November 2025.