Dance, music and animation collide in the electric new chamber ballet, Desirelines.
Produced by Collusion, Australia’s own original fine art music and dance ensemble, Desirelines electrified the Brisbane Festival at its 2015 premiere season.
Desirelines are the improvised tracks created by people who defy the ways designed for them by others. Three musicians and four dancers use gleaming stainless steel tracks to navigate a digitally animated landscape of musical scores. This powerful melding of contemporary ballet and new chamber music leaves audiences spellbound.
“The collaboration of live chamber music, contemporary dance and stage design is veritable soul food” - DanceTrain Magazine "Everything about this show was exquisite" - Cultural Flanerie
Together for 13 years, Collusion is award-winning chamber musicians, in collaboration with composers, a choreographer and dancers, create evocative performances underpinned by heart, beauty and warmth. Ready to tour, Desirelines will enthral audiences of all ages.
- Venue Format
- Theatre, Black Box Venue
- Technical Rating
- Touring Party
- 9
- Considerations
Desirelines can be performed as a same day bump-in. Collusion will tour with three HD projectors, QLab system, three radio mics and transmitter/receivers, and if required, a Tarkett dance floor. A sprung, wooden stage no less than 10 x 8 metres is required for this performance. Haze is used in the performance. No other content warnings apply. For any other technical requirements, please contact Collusion.
Collusion is an Australian fine art music and dance ensemble. Collusion’s cultural practice is underpinned by a respect for traditional art forms whilst contributing new perspectives through which to experience and enjoy fine art. Whilst this intersection of new and old sensibilities informs Collusion’s original compositions and choreography, the energy of the ensemble itself imparts heart, beauty, warmth and colour.
Collusion’s values balance excellence and inclusivity across its creative, commercial, educational and community-based projects. Collusion creates a magical world of imagination, engagement and immersion whether performing at cultural arts venues, for private events or in other community arts settings. Their diverse body of works offers programming suitable to audiences of all ages and cultural persuasions.
- Company Website
- collusion.com.au
Unique Selling Point
Desirelines is an elegant fusion of dance, live music and technology that enthrals audiences.
Pete Foley's projected animation IS the musical score the musicians read from throughout the show, in graphic blocks, chevrons and a swirling arc. Gareth Belling's choreography, a fusion of ballet and contemporary dance, is fluid, powerful and beautiful.
Newly composed chamber music by Queenslander Susan Hawkins cuts its own lyrical path across existing works by Sculthorpe and Ibert, highlighting the virtuosity and musicality of the performers. Finally, Leigh Buchanan's whimsical couture sparkles with beauty (and the occasional Swarovski crystal).
Marketing Materials
Collusion will provide print ready files for marketing collateral, promotion and programs. Workshop plans are available by contacting Collusion. Workshops include: Ballet Foundations, Making Dance - Choreographic Practices, Chamber Music, and Musicianship for Performers.
Community Engagement
Collusion is committed to education of music and dance students across Queensland. Desirelines tours with Concept Designer and Violinist Benjamin Greaves, and Choreographer Gareth Belling. Both Benjamin and Gareth are committed pedagogues as well as accomplished performers and creatives. They will be available to provide workshops in-school and at the venues, alongside other Collusion members where suitable.
A pre or post-show Q&A with Gareth Belling and the performers is available to school groups focussing on collaboration and creating self-devised contemporary performance, and is suitable for all music, dance and theatre students.
Collusion is also available to provide teacher workshops and masterclasses in stringed instrument performance, woodwind fundamentals, balletic technique, contemporary choreographic practices and Musicianship for teachers and students at Primary and Secondary schools, and private dance studios. These workshops and masterclasses will assist in benchmarking excellence in your music and dance programs.
Comments/Reviews
DanceTrain Magazine
Media Review
“The collaboration of live chamber music, contemporary dance and stage design is veritable soul food." “Stokes was somewhat of a lynch pin… never compromising the intelligence and intent reflected in her movements. Her ‘sliding’ duet with Melissa Tattam was both meaningful and memorable.”
Carrie McCarthy - Cultural Flanerie
Media Review
"Everything about this show is exquisite, from the swirling musical score projected directly on to the stage, to the way the light catches the crystal detailing of the costumes as the performers glide through the animation." "Perhaps my only criticism of Desirelines is that there is so much beauty" (Read More)
Ruth Ridgeway - XS Entertainment
Media Review
"The animated music notation is a bewitching element of the design... I had never realised that music notation could look so beautiful." “The musicians all shine, playing specially commissioned compositions by Australian Susan Hawkins." "The cello solo married particularly well with the design, Bentley circling the stage as the stave and notes also circle... like moving lines of stars..." (Read More)