Presented by ISH Dance Collective. Directed and choreographed by Marco Gerris.
A high-energy, visually striking and musically dynamic fusion of street sport and live performance. This is Elements of Freestyle
Reviewed by Tessa Miles
Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Until 29 June 2025
Tickets: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/dance/elements-freestyle
Type: High-octane, urban, family-friendly, theatrical spectacle
If you liked: Cirque du Soleil’s Volta, Olympic BMX & skate events, STOMP
Elements of Freestyle is an electrifying spectacle that blurs the line between sport, art, and live performance. Combining BMX, breakdancing, skateboarding, freerunning, rollerblading, and basketball trickery with a live soundtrack of classical strings and pulsing beats, it transforms the Sydney Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre into a kinetic playground of human skill and creativity.
Every freestyle element is presented not just as a series of tricks, but as choreographed, theatrical moments that surprise and impress in equal measure. The sheer display of talent and artistic framing of each act captivates. The atmosphere in the room builds steadily over the hour. While the audience begins interested and curious, by the show’s final sequence they are fully invested, clapping and cheering along. Elements of Freestyle is a production with broad appeal — perfect for families, sport lovers, teens, theatre enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a night of unique, high-octane entertainment.
As with any live performance, especially one involving high-risk stunts, there’s always a chance something may go awry. On opening night, a brief nervy moment between a rollerblader and freerunner was handled so smoothly it appeared choreographed, a testament to the professionalism of the cast.
Standout moments are plentiful. The two inline skaters (Sven Boekhorst and Jelle Briggeman) and skateboarder (Pim Wouters) deliver jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics that have the audience audibly gasping and cheering. A BMX rider (Dez Maarsen) glides across the stage with such grace and control it evokes comparisons to ballet and ice skating, while the breakdancers (Dietrich Pott, Denden Karadeniz and Stasy Terehhova) deliver authentic, high-energy routines that stay true to the genre’s foundations – Raygun could never. The basketball trickster (Michael van Beek) adds light-hearted, playful moments with slick juggling and trick shots, while the freerunners (Siebe van de Spijker and LizianoOstiana) exhibit extraordinary agility, strength, and spatial awareness, transforming the set into their own urban playground.
One of the most impressive aspects of Elements of Freestyle is its inventive and dynamic staging. The set (Jerry Beckers) continuously morphs from a skate ramp to a parkour playground and trampoline park, with the performers themselves orchestrating the transitions. Each change happens seamlessly and becomes part of the performance’s natural flow, maintaining the show’s fast-paced momentum.
…leaves audiences thrilled, impressed and wanting more!
The soundtrack further elevates the production, with urban beats and a live cello and violin duo (Annie Tangberg and Vera van der Bie) delivering moments of unexpected musical brilliance. Watching classically trained musicians shred alongside freestyle performers creates a fascinating juxtaposition that adds richness and emotional texture to the show. Lighting design by Mike den Ottolander cleverly aids scene transitions and highlights key moments, while the Joan Sutherland Theatre proves the perfect space for a production of this kind — intimate and yet expansive enough to house the physical demands of the show.
Elements of Freestyle is a kinetic, adrenaline-charged celebration of human skill, artistry and movement. It transforms urban sport into theatrical spectacle and leaves audiences thrilled, impressed and wanting more.
Theatre Thought: If you had the chance to showcase a talent on a freestyle stage, what would it you want it to be?
Cast
Siebe van de Spijker – Parkour Athlete
Michael van Beek – Freestyle Basketball
Sven Boekhorst – Inline skate
Jelle Briggeman – Inline skate
Annie Tangberg – Cello
Dietrich Pott – Breakdance
Denden Karadeniz – Breakdance
Liziano Ostiana – Parkour Athlete
Dez Maarsen – BMX Flatland
Vera van der Bie – Violin
Stasy Terehhova – Breakdance
Pim Wouters – Skateboard
Dramaturg and assistant director – Arnout Lems
Composition – Rik Ronner, Annie Tangberg and Vera van der Bie
Set design – Jerry Beckers – Solos International
Lighting designer – Mike den Ottolander
