A dramatic, low-lit image features two female dancers dressed in white in a dark space. The dancer on the left gazes upward, holding a long, glowing white tube. The other figure is crouched, looking down as she also holds a similar light tube.
Australian Dance Party

The Dataset

Created by Alison Plevey and Sara Black

From Canberra’s award-winning Australian Dance Party, this cinematic, futurist and arresting visual experience provides an opportunity to connect with teens/young adults by exploring one of the great issues of our time: the complex relationship between humanity and data. Cleverly developed to tour with a small footprint and a big impact. 

Two dancers perform a contemporary piece, intertwined and lit with blue light.

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Dataset is a cinematic and futurist contemporary dance work tackling contemporary and urgent concepts including the struggle between AI, data mining, identity and human connection. The work invites audiences into the Biomet Data Rejuvenation Centre. Here data analyst Ethan, an AI generated voice and dataspa overlord, guide dance artists Alison Plevey and Sara Black through data treatments that shape and ‘improve’ them.

The work features high energy, virtuosic dance combined with integrated ‘performative’ lighting design, projected image, intricate and meaty sound design by Sia Ahmad.

The Dataset transforms your space (proscenium arch theatre, black box or flat floor) into a techy and slick imaginative world. Integrated with a wellness spa aesthetic, this visual experience is unique, sharp and intriguing. With a small touring party and minimal technical hire requirements, The Dataset is a cost effective, high impact production.

“This engrossing production creates an encompassing atmosphere… where each thoughtful element of sound, visuals, lighting, props and dance are given equal importance.”

Reviews

“The choreography seamlessly fits with the pings and clicks and digital sounds in a surprisingly relaxing soundscape.” - Samara Purnell, City News

“Black’s movements are precise, with isolations and rigid movements, a matter-of-fact execution, seemingly unconcerned with the process and indefatigable. In contrast, Plevey’s character displays emotion, playfulness, curiosity, mild distress, before ultimately, exhaustion.” - Samara Purnell, City News

“The pseudo-scientific aspects of the production are brilliantly realised, creating a slightly surreal hypnotic effect” – Bill Stephens, Australian Arts Review.

“The work was just stunning, and the journey was so clever and subtle that I didn’t realise I was getting emotional till I was.” – Audience Member

Two dancers perform on a blue-lit stage. One stands near three upright, glowing yellow linear lights, while the other stands near lights arranged on the floor in a geometric shape. Above, thin blue vertical lines appear to float against a dark backdrop.
A woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a white shirt and pants, crouches in a darkened space. She's illuminated primarily by a long, rectangular light bar that she holds
Dancer on knees in white outfit, arm raised on dark, blue-lit stage with text in background.
Silhouette of two seated figures with glowing rods on stage against a textured background.
Two performers on a dark stage with binary code projected behind them.
A stage with a performer who has her arms outstretched. She is wearing a white top and light pants and stands in a pool of blue-toned light. Several lit white tubes hang above her.
Stage performance with dancer, neon lights, and rear-projected images of people. Audience silhouetted in foreground.
Two dancers with light tubes in a dark, blue-lit space, creating a futuristic and artistic scene.
Dancer in a white shirt and pants poses near vertical light bars against a dark background

about Australian dance party

Emanating from Ngunnawal Country, Canberra, Australian Dance Party (ADP) is an award-winning company creating inventive dance experiences

ADP delivers unique productions that speak to contemporary issues, inviting audiences to connect, reflect, and awaken. With a strong commitment to accessibility and artistic excellence, ADP consistently attracts new audiences, those familiar with dance and those discovering it for the first time.

Production photography credit: Lorna Sim and Dance+Media

Ready to Tour

If you are interested in touring get in contact!

Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au