In a powerful alignment of artistic ambition and cultural leadership, Queensland Ballet and

HOTA, Home of the Arts have today announced a landmark three-year partnership that will see

the creation of three music-led world premieres exclusive to the Gold Coast.

The partnership launches with the debut of Elastic Hearts, a genre-defying dance experience

choreographed and directed by Garry Stewart, featuring the music of global pop icon Sia,

reimagined with cinematic power by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

This collaboration unites two of the state’s most dynamic arts organisations in a shared

commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, nurturing Australian talent, and delivering

unforgettable large-scale productions.

It signals a powerful new era for contemporary performance on the Gold Coast, positioning the

city as a leading destination for world-class cultural experiences.

“This three-year partnership marks a transformational moment for HOTA and the Gold Coast,”

Yarmila Alfonzetti, Heads of Arts and Culture, Experience Gold Coast said.

“It places the city on the national map as a major commissioner and presenter of new

contemporary performance and offers our audiences direct access to some of the most exciting

new works being made in Australia.”

Elastic Hearts is raw, radiant, and unrelentingly human — a visually arresting production that

explores nature, creativity, and resilience through movement, sound and light. At its centre is the

commanding figure of ‘Gaia’, a matriarchal spirit invoking the cycles of life in a performance that

is both intimate and epic.

Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega says the partnership marks a powerful new

chapter for the Company.

“We’ve had a long-held wish to call the Gold Coast, home. This production is the perfect launch

of our new partnership as it stretches the boundaries of what ballet can be — emotionally,

musically, and culturally. With Sia’s music as our heartbeat in this first work, we’re diving into

something raw, contemporary, and full of feeling. And the Gold Coast, with its vibrant energy and

creative pulse, is the perfect place to launch it.”Sia said she was thrilled to be part of this exciting partnership.

“I’ve always believed in the power of movement and music to connect people on a deeper

emotional level. To see my music reimagined through the beauty of ballet is something truly

special,” she said.

Elastic Hearts will feature at HOTA, Home of the Arts for four performances of the limited season.

Acknowledgements

Music Sia

Choreography/Director & Co-Set Designer Garry Stewart

Music Producer & Arranger Elliott Wheeler

Music Recording Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Co-Set & Costume Designer Charles Davies

Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage

Dramaturg Lou Cope

Assistant to the Choreographer Daniel Jaber

6 – 8 November 2025

HOTA Theatre, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit : https://hota.com.au/whats-on/live/dance/elastic-

hearts-featuring-the-music-of-sia?token=8P7Tf9hvsdK26TZ9ylpXT1PTNF1vMYHcOSqMz8u