By Phillipe Blake
In the lead-up to a world premiere, the atmosphere is usually defined by a frantic, high-stakes energy. But for Garry Stewart and Elliott Wheeler, the minds behind Queensland Ballet’s Elastic Hearts, the process has been marked by something rarer: deep reflection and a shared commitment to joy.
The production is a vibrant reimagining of the music of global icon Sia—a fellow Adelaide native whose work has long resonated with both men. To bring it to life in Brisbane, the pair embarked on a creative journey that bridged continents, genres, and a new way of thinking about the art of the ballet.
Two Paths, One Vision
Garry Stewart’s journey to the director’s chair was unconventional. Having started dance at the age of 20 after studying social work, he has always viewed the studio through a “deeply human” lens. After 22 years leading the Australian Dance Theatre, Garry has evolved his approach to leadership. He now prioritises the psychology of the room, ensuring his “formidable and versatile” dancers have the space to breathe and recover.
“As you mature, your understanding of dancers and the psychology of the room shifts,” Garry reflects. This maturity allowed him to foster a sense of compassion in the rehearsal room, balancing high-impact athleticism with essential moments of rest.
While Garry was managing the “ecosystem” of the dancers, Elliott Wheeler was building the production’s sonic world. Known for his cinematic “mash-ups” with Baz Luhrmann on ELVIS, Elliott brought a producer’s precision to the orchestra. He didn’t just record a symphony; he built a “Herculean level of detail” by recording instrumental groups in layers, much like a pop track. This allowed him to maintain the “thump” of Sia’s original hits while expanding them into grand, emotional landscapes.
A Collaboration Across Continents
The process of making Elastic Hearts began in the most cinematic of settings: the streets of Paris. Garry spent ten days listening to Sia’s tracks in cafes, imagining the physical world of the show before a single dancer had even stepped into the studio.
“I was sitting in cafes with tears in my eyes with my headphones on,” Garry recalls. “The music was so moving”.
Back in the studio, the collaboration between director and composer was a constant exchange of ideas. Elliott recalls the freedom of writing for dance—a “new discovery” and a love for him—where he could give the dancers something to respond to, rather than fitting music into the rigid frames of a film. When the score was finalised, Garry viewed it as his “North Star,” a navigational map that guided every movement on stage.
The Anatomy of a Heart
Visually, the production is a celebration of life—or what Garry originally titled Memento Vitae. From a massive pink wave that serves as a slide for the dancers to a literal forest of flowers and an anatomical heart sculpture, the stage is alive with colour and play.
The result is a production that feels like an “extraordinary magical thing”. Elliott remembers the first time he saw the dancers translate his music into movement: “I was just gobsmacked at the incredible skill they have… it’s just astonishing”.
A Universal Connection
The impact of Elastic Hearts has already reached beyond the audience to the families of the performers. Garry shared a touching anecdote about a message he received from the parent of one of the dancers. The parent wrote to express how much pride it brought them to see the pure joy the work sparked in their child.
“It was like the most beautiful message I’ve ever received,” Garry says.
As the house lights rise at the Thomas Dixon Centre, the ultimate hope for the production is simple: a sense of euphoria. In a world that can often feel heavy, Elastic Hearts is a reminder of our own malleability—that we can stretch and bend, but like a Sia anthem, we always have the power to rise again.
Elastic Hearts: Performance Fast Facts
- Where: Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre, West End.
- When: 30 April – 9 May, 2026 (New dates added!).
- The Creative Team: Garry Stewart (Choreography), Sia (Music), Elliott Wheeler (Arrangements).
- What the Critics Say: “Ballet with a bang. Ballet with a beat.” — The Australian.
Elliot Wheeler: https://www.elliottwheeler.com/
Ticket information: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/performances/2026/elastic-hearts
Photos: David Kelly
