Elastic Hearts: Queensland Ballet brings Sia’s anthems to life.
Elastic Hearts: Queensland Ballet brings Sia’s anthems to life.
The Gold Coast is about to swap surfboards for spotlight beams as the music of Sia takes centre stage in a world-first ballet spectacular at HOTA. Yes, that Sia, the global pop powerhouse behind anthems like Chandelier and Elastic Heart. Her music will form the beating heart of Elastic Hearts, the first in a three-year run of world premiere productions from Queensland Ballet and HOTA.
This isn’t just ballet with a pop soundtrack slapped on. Elastic Hearts is choreographed and directed by creative trailblazer Garry Stewart, who’s known for turning contemporary dance on its head. Layer on Sia’s soaring vocals, reimagined live by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and you’ve got a performance that’s set to shake you to your core.
And let’s be clear: this is Sia like you’ve never heard her before. Forget Spotify, this is spine-tingle territory. Imagine the full force of a symphony swelling under Chandelier, or a raw, haunting take on Elastic Heart that leaves you reaching for tissues (and maybe your neighbour’s hand). It’s big, bold, and goosebump-inducing.
Of course, it’s not just about sound. The visuals will be every bit as breathtaking. Set and costume designer Charles Davies is delivering high drama with striking, textured looks, while lighting maestro Alexander Berlage dials the atmosphere up to eleven. Together, they’re crafting an immersive world where light, movement and music collide in the most cinematic way.
At the centre of it all, you’ll find the commanding voice of ‘Gaia’, a matriarchal spirit anchoring the performance with her presence, embodying the cycles of life and creativity. She’s the grounding force in a production that otherwise soars, reminding us of the resilience and beauty of the human spirit.
But beyond the goosebumps, Elastic Hearts marks a massive milestone for the Gold Coast. This bold three-year partnership between Queensland Ballet and HOTA is putting the city firmly on the cultural map. The GC is levelling up from holiday hotspot to arts powerhouse, a place where groundbreaking work is being born, not just toured.
Now for the kicker: there are only four performances, 6th–8th November, 2025. Once the curtain closes, that’s it. Done. Gone. If you want bragging rights as one of the first in the world to see ballet meet Sia in such an electrifying way, you’ll need to snap up tickets faster than a dancer in a grande jeté.
Elastic Hearts isn’t just a performance. It’s ballet reborn, music reimagined, and proof that the Gold Coast has serious cultural muscle. And with Sia as its soundtrack? You already know it’s going to be unforgettable. Grab your tickets here.
Where: HOTA Theatre, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: 6th–8th November 2025
Broadway blockbuster In The Heights turns up the heat this September.
There’s something special about seeing a musical theatre show on Broadway in New York. The lights, the hype, the energy – it’s hard to match. But who says the Gold Coast can’t have musical magic of its own? Thanks to HOTA, we’re getting front-row seats to world-class musicals.
That’s right drama queens, Broadway is coming to the beach! The four-time Tony Award winning musical In The Heights is cha-cha-cha-ing its way to HOTA this September in a South East Queensland exclusive that’s set to raise the roof.
Presented by Experience Gold Coast and Joshua Robson Productions, this high-energy, salsa-infused spectacle has already wowed Australian audiences at the Hayes Theatre and the Sydney Opera House. Now, it’s our turn to feel the rhythm and the rhyme.
From the genius mind of Lin-Manuel Miranda (yes, that Hamilton guy — he’s a leading man in theatre these days), In The Heights spins a heartfelt tale of community, culture and chasing your dreams.
Set in the vibrant Washington Heights neighbourhood of New York City, In The Heights follows Usnavi, a bodega owner, and his vibrant community as they navigate love, identity, hope, and the meaning of home. Think block party meets Broadway, with a whole lotta heart.
With soaring Latin rhythms, hip-hop beats and a heart full of dreams, this electrifying show celebrates all walks of life, capturing what it means to hold tight to your roots while reaching for the future, where a winning lottery ticket could change everything.
Yarmila Alfonzetti, Head of Arts and Culture at Experience Gold Coast, says it best, “We are thrilled to welcome the powerhouse production of In the Heights to the Gold Coast. By bringing a Broadway hit to HOTA exclusively, we’re providing our locals and visitors with a production that radiates passion and joy.”
It will be a standing ovation every night with a cast that’s absolutely stacked: Ryan Gonzalez (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) stars as the lovable narrator Usnavi, Olivia Vásquez (West Side Story) dazzles as Vanessa, with Richard Valdez bringing charm (and piraguas!) as Piragua Guy, and Mariah Gonzalez shining bright as Nina Rosario.
Helming the production is the dynamic duo, director Luke Joslin and choreographer Amy Campbell, both Helpmann-nominated and ready to bring the drama in the best way possible.
Whether you’re a musical theatre die-hard or just looking for a night of infectious energy, powerful performances and maybe a few tears (we all cry during the “Paciencia y Fe” number, don’t @ us), this is the Gold Coast’s ticket to Broadway, no passport required.
So warm up your vocal cords and dust off your dancing shoes because you’ll not want to miss your shot at seeing In The Heights this September. Book now.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: From 12th September 2025
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY HOTA
An art lovers guide to the Gold Coast.
We’re sure you’ve noticed (there are gorg murals everywhere now), but Gold Coast’s local art scene is popping off! From galleries to murals, exhibitions to workshops, our talented local artists are making themselves known here and on the national scene.
So, if you’re looking for a unique way to spend a day on the Gold Coast, why not appreciate all the exceptional art on offer?
Here’s a list of local galleries to help you get your art fix (listed north to south).
Gallery One is a leading contemporary fine art gallery representing collectible and established multi-award-winning artists from around Australia. In other words, expect to be impressed. From Ken Done to Goompi Ugerabah, the featured artists are expansive in their material use and host a wide breadth of colour, making for a captivating and curious visit.
Where: Shop 16.02 The Brickworks 107 Ferry Road, Southport
Anthea Polson established her namesake gallery after working for over thirteen years at one of Australia’s largest commercial art galleries. Anthea Polson Art specialises in contemporary Australian art and sculpture, representing Australia’s top emerging artists and exhibiting major investment works. Alongside her team, Anthea has helped promote emerging Australian contemporary artists, host a regular exhibition programme, and provide clients a superior art consultancy service since 2009.
Where: 29 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
It’s all in the name, really. The Gold Coast’s Home of The Arts. HOTA is the city’s premier cultural precinct and has been showcasing visual and performing arts since 1986. This place is phenomenal, with an impressive array of exhibitions, cinema, dining/bar facilities, and a non-stop schedule of live shows, activities, and workshops. Whether you’re keen to see the works of award-winning artists, sculptures and photographers, see a live theatre show or take a live drawing workshop, you can find it here.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Located next to Broadbeach SLSC, the Royal Queensland Art Society is a place to view, buy and create art. They offer classes from life drawing to acrylic and sketching and host an ‘Art in The Park’ on the second Sunday of each month, where artists can sell their work at the park. It’s free admission, and they’ve even got an Art Cafe to grab refreshments from after a busy day of getting creative.
Where: 25 Broadbeach Boulevard, Broadbeach
This stunning Mermaid Beach gallery showcases bold, eye-catching art- all for purchase- by over ninety local and international artists. Curated by Terri Lew, the space is divided into six interconnected exhibition spaces featuring a diverse range of styles and genres, from realism and abstract to pop art and pop surrealism and more!
Where: 19 Karen Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Standing for ‘Art Lives on Walls’, ALOW is a brand new artist-driven gallery space in Mermaid Beach, created as a sanctuary for creative freedom, experimentation, and storytelling. Founded by the owners of We Sell Prints, Jarrad and Sarah Miller, ALOW is about reestablishing our connection with art off-screen; physically standing in front of a piece and feeling it. They also host bold exhibitions, hands-on workshops and artist-led events.
Where: 2/53-55 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Did you know world-renowned landscape photographs are available for us to marvel at on the Gold Coast?! We’re talking about Wayne Sorrenson’s works and his gallery in Miami! From wildlife to national and international landscapes, his gallery features a vast selection of framed artwork to purchase, as well as a range of gift ideas, including acrylic blocks, greeting cards and calendars, to name a few. It’s all absolutely breathtaking.
Where: 40 Lemana Lane, Miami
Meet the freshest artist-run gallery on the Gold Coast (and perhaps beyond). It’s called Mint Art House, and it’s home to 12 talented emerging artists ranging from painters to sculptors, muralists to ceramicists, located in Burleigh Heads. Like all good art studios, Mint is a collaborative space that frequently hosts exhibitions, artist talks and workshops including poetry nights and life drawing.
Where: 5/87 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
The HIVE is another artist-run studio (we love to see it), a fine art gallery and co-operative art space. They support local and international, emerging and established artists of all skill levels, as an effort to encourage inclusivity and creativity. Within the gallery, you’ll find an array of stunning works available for purchase, or if you’d like to stay awhile, why not grab a ticket to one of their workshops! Life drawing, anyone? There’s also a regular meetup and music night if you want to meet some like-minded folks.
Where: Unit 23/5 Coghill Dr, Currumbin Waters
Just the sight of this gorgeous refurbished warehouse (a piece of art itself) in the heart of Currumbin Waters is enough to ignite one’s inspiration. Dust Temple is a creative space (also an art gallery, cafe and bar) where likeminds can meet and share their love of the arts. They host live music, performances, poetry, exhibitions and workshops.
Where: 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Maverick is a one-of-a-kind space where art, hair and health come together! The small gallery space allows local artists to showcase their work (some available for purchase) and connect, hosting community art exhibitions and events throughout the year. There are also beautiful gifts for purchase from both near and far.
Where: First Floor, 1/17 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Home to the Margaret Olley Art Centre (MOAC), the Gallery Shop and Apex Dining, the architecturally award-winning Tweed Regional Gallery makes for a perfect day across the border. Start with breakfast at Apex, enjoyed with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tweed River before heading to the MOAC; a gallery celebrating the life of Australia’s most celebrated still life and interior painter. Don’t forget to pick up a keepsake at the Gallery Shop on your way out!
Where: 2 Mistral Rd, South Murwillumbah
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
