Rock Royalty Meets Contemporary Ballet: Queensland Ballet World Premieres Elegantly Wasted at HOTA

Queensland Ballet is set to collide the world of iconic Australian rock with high-calibre contemporary dance in its latest world premiere, Elegantly Wasted. Staged at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast from 10 to 12 September 2026, the 65-minute commission transforms the anthemic catalogue of INXS into a sharp, modern narrative on contemporary culture, glamour, and isolation.

Following the sell-out success of Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon, internationally celebrated Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa returns to Queensland Ballet to helm the production.

A Modern Meditation on Excess and Identity

Rather than constructing a biographical retrospective of the band, Lopez Ochoa uses the rhythms, funk, and rock textures of INXS as an engine to explore the curated illusions of modern life.

Set against the polished backdrop of a luxury hotel lobby, Elegantly Wasted tracks a group of impeccably styled influencers drifting through spaces of performative luxury. Beneath the slick choreography and seduction, the work unpacks the loneliness, superficial validation, and hunger for genuine connection underpinning the social media age.

"INXS is one of Australia's most successful musical exports and arguably one of the country's most influential cultural forces," noted Lopez Ochoa. "I was naturally drawn to the idea of collaboration between what many might consider the most unlikely of partners. Beneath the glamour, seduction and excess lies a deeper meditation on identity, loneliness and the human desire to connect."

INXS founding member and composer Andrew Farriss echoed the excitement for the cross-genre interpretation: "This ballet is a fresh artistic interpretation that stands in its own space. It's not about the band's story but shows how our music can inspire new forms of expression. It's exciting to see the work approached from a completely new perspective. Annabelle has brought her own artistic vision to the music, and we're looking forward to seeing how it comes to life."

Creative Collaborators and Stellar Ensemble

The production unites a team of global and Australian creatives, featuring sound design by Jake Rodriguez, additional music production by Nigel Butler, costume design by Josh McIntosh, and set and lighting design by Jon Buswell.

Bringing the choreography to life is a dynamic Queensland Ballet cast, including First Company Artists Sophie Zoricic and Joshua Ostermann, alongside rising talent Ruby Day. For company dancers seasoned in both classical precision and bold contemporary work, the piece offers a kinetic canvas set to timeless Australian tracks.

Performance Season Details

• Season: 10 – 12 September 2026
• Venue: HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast
• Performances:
  • Thursday 10 September – 7:00 pm
  • Friday 11 September – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday 12 September – 1:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• Duration: 65 minutes (no interval)
• Tickets & Info: Available via the HOTA box office and Queensland Ballet.