The raw industrial vibe of the vast metal and concrete structure known as The Vault in the Dairy Road Precinct is fast becoming embraced by dance makers and visual artists as a source of inspiration and challenge.
The latest creative to be inspired by the opportunities offered by The Vault is Alice Lee Holland, who chose The Vault as central to her inspiration for METTLE, her second major dance work since taking over as Artistic Director for Quantum Leap Australia.
To create METTLE, Holland built her work on an ensemble cast of 12 young dancers of widely ranging skills and experience. Their ages ranged through ages 10 to 17 years and were described in the printed program as Cast and Co-creators. In addition, included in the cast was an older, experienced dancer described as Cast and Artistic Associate.
Leading the team of professional creatives, consisting of Jack Ziesing, with whom she shared choreographic duties, Aleisa Jelbart (Costume Design), Creswick (Visual Design), Sascha Budimski (Sound Design), Ninian Donald (Production Manager) and Jahna Lugnan (Dancer and Artistic Associate), she tasked all of them to consider not only the venue but also the many permeations of the word, mettle, when working together on the creation of METTLE.
As the lights came up on the finished work, which began in darkness, a post-apocalyptic aesthetic was quickly established. The dancers were lined up against the back wall, their faces expressionless, and each wearing a costume which appeared to have been made from discarded clothing.
As METTLE continued it became obvious that while this was indeed the case, each garment was a cleverly designed, individual construction, cleverly layered to move beautifully and each accessorised with an individual grunge hairstyle.
Slowly the line began to move forward, zombie-like, until one-by-one, single dancers broke away to writhe or collapse unsettlingly. Some began to push and shove the person nearest them and two boys began to challenge each other with experimental fisticuffs.
As the work continued, the ensemble formed groups and performed abstract solos, inspired by 10 scene titles – Descent – Overwhelm – Pushed – Buried- The Cave – Forming – Discipline – Drive – Mettle.
Each scene was differentiated by striking visuals projected onto three of the four surrounding walls and enhanced by a compelling soundscape which echoed the mood.
For the final section the whole ensemble was involved in executing an exhilarating extended sequence of demanding choreographic movements. For this section, any attempt at polished unison movement was dispensed in favour of each member completing each movement to the best of their own individual ability.
It was impossible not to be impressed by the potential, concentration, commitment and stamina of the whole ensemble as it worked its way through the testing material to create this highly individual original work.
Quantum Leap Australia: METTLE
The Vault, Dairy Road, Fyshwick (ACT)
Performance: Saturday 25 July 2026
Information: www.ql2.org.au
Images: Chloe Curtis, Charlie Thomson, Una Miletic, Ahlia Jesu-Koehler and Dancers – photo by Olivia Wikner (O&J Wikner Photography) | Reuben Reynolds, Charlie Thomson, Paige Caddaye and Dancers – photo by Olivia Wikner (O&J Wikner Photography)
Review: Bill Stephens OAM