Dancenorth Wayfinder dance tour kicks off at Geraldton’s Queens Park Theatre, showcasing awe and wonder

Geraldton has the opportunity to witness a mesmerising act of physical exuberance, sonic resonance and exhilaration at a contemporary dance performance this weekend. Dancenorth Australia’s Wayfinder will offer an explosion of heat as the crew make Queens Park Theatre their first stop on a national tour. It’s described as more than just a performance, rising above the traditional boundaries of performing arts. Directors Amber Haines and Kyle Page have joined forces with three-time Grammy-nominated Melbourne band Hiatus Kaiyote and renowned sound artist Byron J. Scullin to craft a kaleidoscopic fusion of dance, music and visual art that will transport audiences to new heights of pleasure and possibility. A sound sculpture created by Hiatus Kaiyote and Scullin condenses and expands, weaving a scintillating score that immerses the audience in an unexplored sonic dimension. Adding a visual feast to the act, Japanese-Australian visual artist Hiromi Tango contributes her artwork to both the stage design and costumes, while Niklas Pajanti works the lighting design. Page said the work was born out of a desire to bring people together and celebrate shared humanity after the fear and isolation felt amid the COVID outbreak. “It felt like an essential moment to bring people back together around these kind of shared elements of joy and celebration and honouring what unites us and brings us together rather than divides us and tears us apart,” he said. The performance will take place on an inflatable mat, giving dancers buoyancy to complete acrobatic feats impossible on traditional flooring. Page said it gave the audience a sense of the impossible made real. “You’re witnessing these dancers perform these ridiculously athletic elements within the performance and it feels like you’re watching some kind of magic, actually. It really does take your breath away,” he said. “We’re really delighted to be kicking off the regional leg of the tour right here in Geraldton and sharing it with with your audience.” The show contains strobe lighting, theatrical haze, startling noises and interactive objects that emit light and sound. For tickets, visit the City of Greater Geraldton website or qpt.cgg.wa.gov.au/events/wayfinder/9352.