Queensland Ballet in partnership with HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast, announce the world premiere of Elegantly Wasted, a bold new contemporary ballet set to the songs of INXS, opening at HOTA from 10 – 12 September, 2026.
The new 65-minute commission, Elegantly Wasted, brings together an acclaimed team of Australian and international creatives including celebrated Belgium-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, sound designer Jake Rodriguez, costume designer Josh McIntosh and set and lighting designer Jon Buswell.
Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, who created Queensland Ballet’s 2024 sell-out hit, Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon, said the opportunity to reinterpret the songs of INXS through ballet was irresistible.
“INXS is one of Australia’s most successful musical exports and arguably one of the country’s most influential cultural forces, so I was naturally drawn to the idea of collaboration between what many might consider the most unlikely of partners.”
“Elegantly Wasted is set within the polished anonymity of a luxury hotel lobby and follows a group of impeccably dressed young influencers (drifting in and out of view), curating their lives through performance, projection and validation. Beneath the glamour, seduction and excess lies a deeper meditation on identity, loneliness and the human desire to connect,” Lopez Ochoa explained.
Andrew Farriss, INXS founding member & composer said the collaboration reflects the band’s openness to reinterpretation and creative evolution, while remaining distinct from its own story.
“INXS have always embraced exploring new ideas and the different ways our music can connect with people. This ballet is a fresh artistic interpretation that stands in its own space. It’s not about the band’s story but shows how our music can inspire new forms of expression. It’s exciting to see the work approached from a completely new perspective. Annabelle has brought her own artistic vision to the music, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it comes to life,” Farriss said.
INXS were recently awarded the Ted Albert Award at the 2026 APRA Awards for their outstanding service to Australian music. The award adds to their decades long achievements across the globe including 75 million albums sold worldwide, seven US Top 10 singles, six APRA Music Awards, ARIAs, two Brit Awards, MTV Awards and numerous Grammy nominations.
Elegantly Wasted marks Queensland Ballet’s second major contemporary music-led commission to premier at HOTA. The first, Elastic Hearts, paired the music of Sia with choreography by Garry Stewart and premiered in November 2025 to rave reviews and strong audience demand.
Queensland Ballet Executive Director, Dilshani Weerasinghe, said the three-year partnership between Queensland Ballet and HOTA supported by Experience Gold Coast provides a unique environment for experimentation and contemporary storytelling.
“Through the partnership, HOTA has become a proud launchpad for major new commissions, enabling us to create daring, large-scale works that connect with audiences beyond traditional ballet circles and engage a new generation of arts-goers. Those audiences are vital because today’s first-time attendees become tomorrow’s advocates, philanthropists and cultural ambassadors,” Weerasinghe said.
Experience Gold Coast Head of Arts and Culture, John Kotzas AM said the partnership represents a significant commitment to bringing world-class ballet to the Gold Coast.
“We are proud to continue building a consistent pipeline of high calibre artistic experiences for our audiences. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase the very best of Australian performing arts while strengthening the Gold Coast’s reputation as a thriving cultural destination.”
Elegantly Wasted will be at HOTA 10-12 September. Visit queenslandballet.com.au to learn more.
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