On the 'cultural commons' both GSD and MADE want community connectedness to be dynamic, inclusive and cross-generational. Both companies are drawn to ideas that foreground the life we share in common as a prerequisite for valuing the life we lead as individuals. Dance Commons is about the joy of dance that is shared such that audiences and artists can influence the performance experience together, in real time.

Sitting at the creative heart of Dance Commons is the intergenerational performance experience Hiero. Meaning 'sacred', the Greek word 'hiero' is used here to highlight how dancers at different life stages perform together, deeply curious about respective roles, rights, responsibilities and lived experience.

Conceived/directed by Felicity Bott from Great Southern Dance with design direction by Paul Wakelam Architect, Hiero is being developed in collaboration with Mature Artists Dance Experience and youth interns who dance with DRILL Performance. We commenced this journey in July 2024 and it continues for a second iteration in July 2025, this time within the Theatre Royal precinct.

The Dance Commons performance experience on July 19, inclusive of Hiero, offers a 2-hour feedback loop between artists and audience members. A week of creative interaction with a cast of dancers spanning 5 generations and a variety of community groups is shared openly. Great Southern Dance invites audience members to experience live dance and design, discuss it with the artists and then view it being performed again.