Melancholia
A Groundbreaking Exploration of Tap and Contemporary Dance
Melbourne’s own STUDIO STOCKS, the pioneering contemporary tap dance company founded by internationally recognised artist Garry Stocks, invites audiences to experience Melancholia, its premiere production set to debut at Chapel Off Chapel from February 13 to 15, 2025. Known for pushing the boundaries of percussive dance, Studio Stocks blends the rhythmic foundations of tap with the fluidity of contemporary dance to create a fresh, genre-defying expression of movement.
Melancholia embarks on an evocative exploration of profound themes: loss, chronic pain, and grief, punctuated by moments of resilience, hope, and healing. Featuring an extraordinary cast of some of Australia’s most accomplished dance artists and emerging talents, this 50-minute work delivers a visceral, audio-visual experience that resonates deeply with audiences. The production showcases 7 world class tap dancers and an innovative pas de deux between a Garry Stocks and contemporary dancer (Senior Artist with The Australian Ballet Company, Jade Wood), embracing cross-genre collaboration to captivate a broader audience and elevate tap as a powerful expressive form.
The work holds special significance for Stocks, whose creation of Melancholia is deeply rooted in personal experience. A former dancer with The Australian Ballet Company, Stocks faced a life-changing neurological injury that ended his ballet career and led to years of recovery and chronic pain. Rediscovering tap dance became his pathway to healing and a new artistic vision, earning him international acclaim as one of Australia’s leading tap artists. “Melancholia isn’t just a dance performance; it’s an invitation to witness the depth of emotion that tap can embody,” says Garry Stocks, Founder and Artistic Director of Studio Stocks. “We’re exploring new ground with tap’s potential to explore themes of hardship, resilience, and connection, tapping into the rich, soulful history of this African American tradition while forging our own unique path forward.”
As part of its core mission, the company is dedicated to advancing tap artistry in the dance community, offering opportunities for tap dancers to shine and empowering women in the art form. Melancholia stands as both a milestone for Studio Stocks and a vital contribution to the dance world, celebrating a tradition while innovating its future.
Bookings: https://chapel.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/140974
