Queensland Ballet announces new partnership with Experience Gold Coast

Queensland Ballet, in partnership with Experience Gold Coast and HOTA, Home of the Arts, is proud to announce a bold new three-year collaboration that will see a world-premiere, music-led ballet presented annually on the Gold Coast — launching in November 2025 with the highly anticipated debut of Elastic Hearts, set to the music of global pop icon Sia.

Running for four performances from 6–8 November 2025 at HOTA, this new production is the first of three innovative works created as part of a strategic commitment by Queensland Ballet to commission, create and premiere new works outside of metropolitan Brisbane, deepening its artistic engagement with Queensland communities.

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 performed and 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
HOTA, Home of the Arts – Gold Coast
6–8 November 2025 (4 performances only)
Featuring the music of Sia, arranged and produced by Elliott Wheeler – performed and recorded by Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Tickets on sale 16 June 2025 at https://hota.com.au

Creative Team
• 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