Created by internationally recognised tap dance artist, choreographer and former The Australian Ballet dancer Garry Stocks, Melancholia features an ensemble of some of Australia’s leading tap dance artists, including guest artist and former Senior Artist with The Australian Ballet, Jade Wood. In a striking fusion of contemporary tap and classical movement, Stocks and Wood perform a unique pas de deux that bridges two distinct dance worlds, exploring the connection between rhythm, movement and human expression.
The work explores themes of grief, chronic pain, mental health, resilience and hope. Blending intricate percussive footwork with contemporary movement, theatrical lighting and an immersive soundscape, Melancholia reveals tap dance as a powerful form of contemporary expression.
For Garry Stocks, Melancholia emerged from a deeply personal creative journey. After a decade performing with The Australian Ballet, his relationship with movement evolved through his own experiences of chronic pain and the emotional challenges that accompanied it. Rather than stepping away from dance, he began exploring rhythm and choreography as a way of processing emotion, ultimately leading to the creation of Melancholia.
“Melancholia began as an exploration of emotions that are often difficult to express in words. Through rhythm and movement, I wanted to create a work that acknowledges grief, vulnerability and resilience, while challenging audiences’ perceptions of what tap dance can communicate.”
Founded by Garry Stocks, Studio Stocks is one of Australia’s only professional contemporary tap dance companies dedicated to creating original contemporary works. The company exists to expand the artistic possibilities of tap dance, challenge traditional perceptions of the form and provide professional performance opportunities for Australian tap artists.
While tap dance is often associated with musical theatre and entertainment, Melancholia presents a strikingly different perspective – using rhythm not simply as accompaniment, but as an emotional language that drives the performance. Presented on a custom-built amplified stage, the dancers become both musicians and performers, creating an immersive theatrical experience where every step contributes to the production’s powerful soundscape.
The encore season follows a celebrated premiere, where audiences responded with standing ovations and critics praised the production as “a triumphant and breathtaking fusion of rhythm, movement and emotion” (Dancers Choice).
Returning for three performances only, Melancholia offers audiences another opportunity to experience Studio Stocks’ distinctive contemporary tap practice live on stage.
Studio Stocks’ Melancholia will be presented at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran from Thursday 1–Saturday 3 October 2026 at 8:00pm. Featuring performers Alyssa Foenander, Tiarna Leigh, Paige Pote, Bill Simpson, Garry Stocks, Claire Stubs, Lucas Thomson, Jayden Watson, and Jade Wood, the season offers audiences the opportunity to experience the company’s unique approach to contemporary tap dance. For tickets and further information, visit https://www.garrystocks.com/melancholia-studio-stocks.
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