Dancenorth’s A Live Moment – NAFA 2025

Dancenorth ensemble - Image by Tszar

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step inside the beating heart of a dance company—without needing to pirouette or plié your way through—Dancenorth’s 40th anniversary show A Live Moment is your golden ticket. Hats off to directors Amber Haines and Kyle Page, who’ve masterminded a clever, immersive concept that turns the company’s headquarters into a living, breathing performance space with plenty of nods to its former performances in its 40-year legacy. It’s part backstage pass, part theatrical treasure hunt and trip down memory lane, and entirely unforgettable.

From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this isn’t your typical sit-down-and-clap affair. You’re gently ushered into a world where every corridor, storeroom, and kitchen nook becomes a stage. And if you’re someone who thinks “contemporary dance” sounds like something best left to the professionals, or you’ve got two left feet like yours truly, fear not. This is a non-threatening, joyfully chaotic experience where participation is optional and comfort is key. No one’s asking you to bust a move unless you’re feeling it.

Guiding us through this kaleidoscope of movement is the inimitable Felix Sampson, who doubles as host and narrator, and triples as comic relief. Dressed in leotards that defy description (and possibly gravity), Felix keeps the mood light and the laughs flowing, reassuring even the most dance-averse audience members that they’re in safe hands.

Felix Sampson and the Dancenorth Ensemble- IMAGE Tszar

Felix is joined by a powerhouse ensemble: Sabine Crompton-Ward, Bella Hood, Tiana Lung, Aleeya McFadyen-Rew, Damian Meredith, Jag Popham, and Michael Smith. Together, they deliver a series of dynamic performances that range from the intimate to the explosive. One moment you’re watching a quirky percussion piece in the storeroom, the next you’re grooving at an exercise ball disco upstairs, sipping wine in the kitchen, or catching a glimpse of the dressing rooms mid-transformation.

Felix Sampson and Jag Popham IMAGE Tszar

Tiana Lung IMAGE Tszar

Sabine Crompton-Ward, Michael Smith and Kyle Page IMAGE Tszar

A standout moment comes courtesy of the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, whose First Nations dance brings depth and cultural resonance to the experience. These moments of reflection are seamlessly woven into the broader tapestry of movement, music, and mayhem. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the “interval” hits with random bursts of drama popping up like theatrical whack-a-moles to literally keep you on your toes.

Costume changes are rapid-fire, the soundtrack shifting from ethereal to toe-tapping, and the choreography is as varied as the spaces it inhabits. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a group performance unfold on the main stage after having explored the nooks and crannies of the building. It’s like the grand finale of a dance scavenger hunt.

Michael Smith IMAGE Tszar

A word to the wise: wear comfy shoes and clothes you can move in. You’ll be on your feet, wandering, laughing, and maybe even dancing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a total newbie to dance performance, A Live Moment is a perfect baptism into the artform.

The verdict? A resounding “YES” from me. And trust me, you’ll know exactly what that means once you’ve seen the show.

Tiana Lung, Ashley Saltner Jnr and Michael Smith IMAGE Tszar