Queensland Ballet, in an exciting collaboration with Experience Gold Coast and HOTA, Home of the Arts, has unveiled a dynamic three-year partnership to bring a world-premiere, music-led ballet to the Gold Coast each year, starting with the highly anticipated Elastic Hearts, set to the music of global pop sensation Sia, from 6–8 November 2025 at HOTA. This inaugural production, spanning four performances, marks the first of three annual commissions designed to expand Queensland Ballet’s reach beyond metropolitan Brisbane, fostering deeper artistic connections with Queensland communities through innovative, locally premiered works.
Fans of Sia will know she has long been a passionate champion of dance. Her acclaimed music videos are renowned for their emotional power and physicality, most notably her 2015 single “Elastic Heart”, which featured a raw and intimate duet between Maddie Ziegler and actor Shia LaBeouf. That same track now anchors Queensland Ballet’s newest creation — a daring exploration of connection and emotional expression through movement.
“This production is the perfect launch of our new partnership, as it stretches the boundaries of what ballet can be — emotionally, musically, and culturally,” said Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega.
“With Sia’s music as our heartbeat in this first work, we’re diving into something raw, contemporary and full of feeling. The Gold Coast, with its vibrant energy and creative pulse, is the perfect place to launch it,” he said.
Elastic Hearts explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and reconnection, blending classical ballet vocabulary with contemporary movement in a highly charged physical language. A creative team of Australian and international artists has been assembled to bring this new vision to life — one that lives at the intersection of pop culture and ballet form.
Audiences can also look forward to a unique musical interpretation of Sia’s work, with new arrangements produced by Elliott Wheeler and specially recorded by Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
“HOTA is a place for artists to push boundaries and audiences to be surprised,” said Yarmila Alfonzetti, Head of Arts and Culture at HOTA.
“Elastic Hearts is exactly the kind of work that belongs here – fearless, emotional, and made for now.”
The three-year partnership represents a significant investment in Queensland Ballet’s creative future and supports the Company’s aim to share innovative new work with communities beyond Brisbane.
“We have a warm and collaborative relationship with HOTA, and this new partnership gives us the platform to launch works that are both grounded in place and globally relevant,” said Queensland Ballet Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe.
“Our shared goal is to create tour-ready works that resonate deeply with audiences across Queensland — starting right here on the Gold Coast.”
Sia herself has expressed excitement about the collaboration.
“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.”
Elastic Hearts will be at HOTA, Home of the Arts – Gold Coast, 6–8 November. Tickets are on sale at https://hota.com.au
