Prepare to have your senses electrified! In a dazzling coup for regional Queensland, the internationally acclaimed ISH Dance Collective from The Netherlands will storm the stage at the North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) 2025, delivering a spectacle of adrenaline, rhythm, and raw talent that has wowed audiences from Amsterdam to the Sydney Opera House.
This October, for two explosive performances only (2–3 October 2025), ISH will transform the Townsville Civic Theatre into a pulsating arena of urban street culture with their trailblazing production, Elements of Freestyle.
Fusing BMX, inline skating, skateboarding, freestyle basketball, breakdance, hip-hop, and the elegance of live cello and violin, Elements of Freestyle is an artistic earthquake—a powerful convergence of movement and music that pushes human physicality and creativity to their absolute limits. Expect jaw-dropping stunts, heart-stopping energy, and a boundary-breaking reimagination of what a stage show can be.
At the helm is visionary director Marco Gerris, known for his electric presence as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance Netherlands. Under his bold artistic direction, ISH has become a global force—challenging the definition of dance, performance, and sport for more than 25 years.
“This show is a liberating and uplifting experience. We are thrilled to share our passion with Townsville and be part of a festival that celebrates bold artistic expression in every form,” says Gerris.
“This is more than a performance—it’s an opportunity for our community to connect with internationally-revered culture and see what’s possible when creative ambition meets real investment,” said NAFA Artistic Director Kyle Page.
With ISH also running community workshops throughout Townsville, the ripple effect of this engagement will be felt well beyond the stage, inspiring young performers and unlocking new creative energy across the city.
Timed perfectly with the September school holidays, Elements of Freestyle is designed for thrill-seekers of every generation. Whether you’re a dance lover, a sports fan, or simply chasing unforgettable family entertainment—this is the show of the season.
ISH Dance Collective’s presentation of Elements of Freestyle at NAFA 2025 is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
DATES: Thursday 2 – Friday 3 October 2025
TICKETS: On sale from 10am Friday 27th June 2025 at www.nafa-tsv.com.au
WORKSHOPS: Details to be announced closer to the festival