Arc, a stunning work of scale by Brisbane-based Australasian Dance Collective, makes its world premiere at River Quay from 18 – 19 September.
Against the backdrop of the Brisbane River, Arc will reflect the city’s journey from isolation to reconnection with two free evening performances.
The deeply moving piece sees ADC’s professional dancers performing alongside its 30-strong youth ensemble and features an evocative new score.
Community dancers of all abilities are invited to shimmy to South Bank’s Flowstate precinct on Friday evenings to shake it out in Socially Distanced Dance Club.
Twist, twerk, hustle and shuffle in one of several four square metre dancefloors as instructors guide groovers through dance crazes, contests and challenges over a free 20-minute mini-disco.
For more dance action, boogie in to Common People Dance Eisteddfod 2, a continuation of the no-holds-barred dance extravaganza that added sequinned sparkle to Brisbane Festival in 2019.
Set to a killer ‘80s soundtrack, dance teams representing the city’s north, south, east and west will again battle it out – in a socially distanced way – for eisteddfod glory in the Grand Finale at South Bank Piazza 19 September..
Those strolling through South Bank, running by the river or pedalling through the Parklands are advised to keep an eye out for Exercise Surprises pop-up performances.
A cast of quirky characters, audacious acrobats, fun flash-mobs, playful puppets and chanting cheer squads are limbering up to randomly reward Brisbane residents for working out on one of South Bank’s walking paths and bikeways.
Those seeking a calmer pace can immerse themselves in Wild Energy, a multi-channel outdoor installation by Annea Lockwood and Bob Bielecki, infusing the splendour of South Bank’s Rainforest Walk with a soundscape of inaudible vibrations throughout the Festival.
Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra is tuning up and preparing to entertain and delight audiences with its Classic Brisbane repertoire at Rainforest Green on 5 and 12 September.
More music will prevail as Street Serenades pops in to South Bank each Saturday with performances from The Little Red Company, Briefs Factory, Oscar Theatre Company and Karl S. Williams.
Jazz on Sunday, one of Brisbane Festival’s most beloved and enduring events, returns in 2020 with two free afternoon performances on 6 and 20 September at Flowstate.
Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina said South Bank’s program of free events echoed Brisbane Festival’s commitment to fill the city with music, art and joy this September.
“For so many of us, 2020 has delivered the most tumultuous period of our lives and Brisbane Festival is determined to deliver that light at the end of the tunnel,” Ms Bezzina said.
We will present a special, free springtime program of uplifting performances at South Bank to once again fill the city with music and inject a fresh sense of hope and celebration.
“Dance in the streets and be swept away by song because Brisbane, it’s time to let your hair down.”
South Bank Parklands is also one of six locations across the city hosting a giant and joyful Messengers of Brisbane installation by Florentijn Hofman, inspired by the native Gouldian finch, presented by Brisbane Festival and Tourism and Events Queensland.
Families are invited to engage with the large-scale installation in a series of free Finchy Fun Workshops at Flowstate during the school holidays from 19 – 26 September.
