In October of 2024, Geelong Arts Centre was hit by a cavalcade of colour with the immersive contemporary dance experience, Wayfinder. The ambitious artistic expression was a development from Townsville/Gurambilbarra-based dance company, Dancenorth Australia, known for pushing the boundaries of choreography and production to offer a visual feast for the audience. Backed by the lush soundscapes of three-time GRAMMY-nominated Australian music act Hiatus Kaiyote, Wayfinder wasn’t just a performance — it was a sensory adventure that proved why Dancenorth continues to redefine the boundaries of dance and storytelling.
Now, the creative minds behind that dazzling triumph are returning to Geelong Arts Centre in SEASON 2026 with something truly extraordinary — a brand new work that promises to capture hearts and light up imaginations.
“Go on a journey of simple delights and child-like innocence and feel part of the family...”
Helen Gramotnev, Brisbane StageIntroducing Lighting the Dark — a radiant creation by Chris Dyke, a performer, choreographer, and history-maker whose brilliance knows no bounds.
In 2024, Dyke became the first Australian living with Down syndrome to direct a mainstage work for a professional dance company — a milestone moment that redefined what inclusion and creativity can look like on stage. Dreamed up in 2021 and lovingly nurtured over three years with Dancenorth’s Kyle Page and Amber Haines, Lighting the Dark finally made its breathtaking premiere at the Brisbane Festival in 2024.
Originally commissioned by Brisbane Festival with the support of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Ian Potter Foundation, and Creative Australia, this ambitious work brings together a stellar ensemble of seven contemporary dancers: Chris Dyke, Sabine Crompton-Ward, Tiana Lung, Aleeya McFadyen-Rew, Jag Popham, Felix Sampson, and Michael Smith. Under the choreographic guidance of Page and Haines, the company shines as one — a collective beam of energy, joy, and humanity.
Dyke’s creative spirit lights every corner of this work. Inspired by icons like Banksy, David Bowie, and Freddie Mercury, he channels their fearless artistry into his own bold, love-soaked stage persona. Having started dancing at age 12 to find his confidence and voice, Dyke has blossomed into a performer who radiates joy, compassion, and courage — qualities that infuse every moment of Lighting the Dark.
And what a light it is.
Through sweeping choreography, heartfelt storytelling, and stunning stagecraft, Lighting the Dark explores what it means to be human — in all its messy, magnificent complexity. With ethereal sound design and composition by Anna Whitaker, additional lyrics and music by Felix Sampson, evocative set design by Andrew Treloar, and atmospheric lighting by Chloe Ogilvie, the stage becomes a glowing gateway to emotion, connection, and self-discovery.
At its heart, Lighting the Dark is a love letter to creativity, collaboration, and community. It’s the story of an artist who dared to dream, and the ensemble who helped that dream take flight. Together, they invite audiences into a luminous world where love, courage, and light lead the way.
Lighting the Dark takes to the Geelong Arts Centre stage on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 March 2026 — for two nights only.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this shining, soul-stirring performance from one of Australia’s most inspiring creative voices.