Elements of Freestyle | ISH Dance Collective
Image: Michel Schnater
ISH Dance Collective’s Elements of Freestyle is the definition of defying gravity— a thrilling collision of dance, extreme sports, and classical music. Imagine raw power meeting refined artistry in a high-octane performance that shatters genre boundaries and challenges every expectation.
Presented by Brisbane Festival and Brisbane Powerhouse, Elements of Freestyle blends breakdance, BMX, skateboarding, free running, and live classical music into an explosive showcase of physical virtuosity and bold creative vision.
Image: Michel Schnater
I’ve seen plenty of stuntmen and GCI in action movies, and well, this wasn’t screen magic—these were real stunts, happening right in front of my eyes. The physicality of the show was breathtaking. I have to admit, I’m still stunned by what I witnessed. From running up ramps to jaw-dropping skateboarding tricks soaring through the air, the performers’ timing, balance, and precision completely blew my mind.
Director Marco Gerris maximised the talents of his ten performers (nine males and one female) in a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled showcase of breakdancing, BMX biking, tumbling, inline skating, skateboarding and freestyle basketball. Each moment was a testament to their incredible skill and control, holding the audience’s attention with feats that felt both effortless and impossible at the same time.
It’s hard for me to pick a favourite act, but skaters Jelle Briggerman, Sven Boekhorst and Pim Wouters delivered jaw-dropping stunts across the stage that had the crowd gasping and cheering. BMX biker Juan Niebles Noriega spun and balanced on one wheel like a ballerina— except faster, sharper, AND on a bike. Behind all the spectacle though was an unshakable sense of teamwork. The level of trust, timing, and collaboration required to safely pull off these high-risk stunts was extraordinary — none of it would work without total commitment to each other, and that spirit pulsed through every second of the show.
What made the production truly remarkable was the way it fused artistic worlds that are rarely share the same stage. By blending physical theatre, dance, acrobatics, extreme sports, live classical music, the show challenges long-standing ideas about what belongs in the theatre. Traditionally, artistic genres have been split into rigid categories, but this production defies those limits, dissolving the boundaries between street culture and classical performance in a fresh and compelling way.
Image: Michel Schnater
Whilst the show did not have a clear, linear narrative, the carefree collection of acts allowed each performer to showcase their talents both in solo moments and through collaboration. The performance moved between these shifts with a natural ease, and its playful energy, along with occasional flashes of humour that kept me engaged. A few of the transitions between acts felt slightly awkward to me though, as performers had to move large set pieces around the stage, causing brief pauses in the momentum. However, this too felt authentic. The live, physical effort behind the performance where the versatile set was shifted seamlessly between skatepark ramps, trampolines, and parkour playgrounds was a vivid reminder of the resourcefulness of urban artists shaping and adapting their environment. This ever-changing landscape perfectly captured the improvisational spirit of urban culture, highlighting the creativity and adaptability of the performers as they used every inch of the space to its fullest.
The live cello and violin, played by the incredible Annie Tangberg and Vera van der Bie, were honestly one of the highlights for me. Tucked away on either side of the stage, they weren’t in the spotlight—but their presence was felt in every moment, adding a striking layer of elegance to the show. Their string playing flowed between lush legato passages and sharp, punchy staccato notes, combining with the pulsating percussion beats from the soundtrack to perfectly echo the energy of the stunts and dances on stage. The compelling contrast of classical discipline and the chaotic freedom of the freestyle athletes created a dynamic tension. Together, music and choreography moved in tight sync, engaging a lively conversation between performers and musicians.
The 60 minutes show felt more like 30, leaving me wanting more after the final bow. The performers’ focus and fearless commitment turned impossible tricks into pure magic. The blend of classic strings and urban rhythms brought depth and texture to the production, highlighting the unique fusion at the heart of Elements of Freestyle. From start to explosive finale, it held the audience spellbound. You can’t afford to look away — the audience’s standing ovation and cheers said it all. Simply put: Wow!
Elements of Freestyle plays at the Brisbane Powerhouse from 24-27 September 2025 as part of the 2025 Brisbane Festival.
Image: Michel Schnater
