Review: Elements Of Freestyle 2025 Brisbane Festival
Elements of Freestyle is an unmissable masterpiece where dance meets extreme urban sports. Crafted by the renowned ISH Dance Collective, this adrenaline-fuelled production pushes the boundaries of performance.
Fusing breakdance, inline skating, skateboarding, freestyle basketball, BMX, and parkour with exhilarating live musicianship, the result is an explosive vision which leaves the audiences gasping at every turn, flip and beat.
Directed by Marco Gerris, Elements of Freestyle is unlike anything seen before. Taking the stage at Brisbane Powerhouse for the Brisbane Festival, the most thrilling talents are showcased with such effortless precision.
It’s a visual storm you cannot look away from; chaotically daring yet meticulously synchronised. The way each individual discipline holds a unique character whilst merging seamlessly into one unified composition is nothing short of extraordinary.
Jerry Beckers’ unique set design lays the foundation for which the narrative unfolds. What begins as four skate ramps is continuously reconfigured throughout the performance to create striking new structures.
From scaffolds and parkour frames to, eventually, a showstopping reveal, the set is flipped to uncover a hidden trampoline. Each performer uses the space to portray their own story, whilst meshing into the larger vision at play.
The most thrilling talents are showcased with effortless precision Photo by Michel Schnater
Mike den Ottolander’s lighting design is unmatched. The show opens with ambient, glowing tones that caress the stage in a dreamlike atmosphere. Shifting to establish new visuals and focal points, the lighting ranges from warm tones that highlight performers’ silhouettes to intense blue strobe lights that ignite the chaos of skating sequences.
A breathtaking moment comes when the lights go out. Bike wheels and basketballs begin to glow, illustrating a powerful new focus and captivating audiences even further.
The soundtrack underlying Elements of Freestyle creates a compelling fusion of Rik Ronner’s designs with the live mastery of Annie Tangberg on cello and Vera van der Bie on violin. The pulsating beats intertwined with the rich strings, establishing an electrifying energy throughout the theatre.
The dance performance of Arnold Put, Dietrich Pott and Matilde Tommasini is utterly entrancing. There are no words to describe the movement quality of this ensemble. From the intricacies in their isolations and the fluidity in their motion, to the masterful integration of breakdance, it all blends into one spectacular display.
Its an adrenaline fuelled performance which pushes the boundaries of performance Photo by Michel Schnater
Inline skaters Jelle Briggeman and Sven Boekhorst, alongside skateboarder Pim Wouters, inspire the audience with jaw-dropping feats that left the opening night crowd “oohing” and “aahing” in wonder.
Meanwhile, Michael van Beek’s freestyle basketball and the daring parkour of Siebe van de Spijker and Liziano Ostiana had the viewers simply mesmerised by their unbelievable talent.
One of the show’s most captivating highlights is BMX rider Juan Niebles’ solo, perfectly in sync with the musicianship of the strings. His peak movements and daring tricks rise with the music’s tension and precise accents. It’s a rare and beautiful fusion of sport and art in one astounding showcase.
Elements of Freestyle is a powerful celebration of movement, where risk and artistry combine, and diverse forms of expression unite to present a single, electric story. With every moment choreographed to precision, the production blends sport and art into one unforgettable theatrical experience. This is not a show to be missed this Festival season.
Elements of Freestyle is presented by ISH Dance Collective and runs to 27 September at Brisbane Powerhouse as part of 2025 Brisbane Festival. 119 Lamington Street New Farm Qld 4005.