WIRED: A true ghost story brought to life on stage

Posted on 11 July, 2024

The Training Ground, a Canberra-based dance studio helmed by Bonnie Neate and Suzy Piani, has become known for its creative adaptations of classical ballets into contemporary dance productions.

Previous works UNVEILED, UNRAVEL and UNHINGED adapted Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and Coppelia respectively into dynamic modern works – but in 2024 The Training Ground have tapped a totally original narrative for inspiration for new production WIRED. One that will leave you with goosebumps.

“WIRED is an original full-length contemporary dance work based on a true story. This intriguing story is of an individual who consciously decided to live in the walls and ceiling of a family home to facilitate a ghost-like and unnerving experience for the home’s occupants,” says Bonnie.

“Choreographed and directed by us…WIRED is our fourth full-length contemporary dance work…the culmination of a rigorous 6-month self-funded contemporary dance training program for advanced dancers from the ACT and surrounding areas,” adds Suzy.

With a cast of 18 young locals, The Training Ground’s signature annual performances are designed to “give dancers a ‘dance-company’-like experience to accelerate their contemporary dance technique and performance skills”.

While Bonnie and Suzy can’t reveal too much about how the true story of a man living within the walls of a family’s home in the 1980s plays out, they will say that they have “conceptualised the story and developed a contemporary dance work that explores themes of deception, mistrust, and paranoia.”

Showing at Erindale Theatre across Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August, WIRED is a chance for young dancers to sharpen their skills across a wide range of roles. One such dancer is Larina Bagic.

“I am extremely excited for WIRED, a pre-professional contemporary dance production, where I have the honour of being the main character, The Watcher,” she says. “This role presents a unique opportunity to immerse myself fully in a complex and captivating character, allowing me to showcase my skills and depth as a dancer.”

“WIRED is an extraordinary production that not only showcases innovative artistry but also challenges and allows me to push past my boundaries as a dancer and performer, making it an incredibly exciting and fulfilling experience to see the production come together.”

Jemima Paul, Larina’s co-star, couldn’t agree more.

“I am excited for WIRED because it is the largest production I have been a part of so far in my dance journey. I have really enjoyed the growth I have experienced through the process so far.”

“I have loved the opportunity to develop a complex character and express their emotions through the choreography.  It will be exciting to share this project we have all worked on for many months with an audience.”

As for WIRED Ensemble member Ellie McLean, people, should come and see this “one and a kind” performance – especially if they interested in contemporary dance.

“Wired portrays a thrilling story and it is evident how much time and effort was contributed throughout the six-month process.”

To further develop The Training Ground’s dancers, Bonnie and Suzy also engaged international choreographer Tim Podesta to undertake a high-performance conditioning program, which happily sparked further collaboration.

“After meeting with us and our dancers, Tim offered us the incredible opportunity for our senior dancers to perform with his professional contemporary dance company PROJECTions Dance Company at The Edge Theatre in Federation Square, Melbourne this July,” says Bonnie.

“Our dancers will travel to Melbourne to spend a week with the dance company and choreographer, participate in company classes and workshops.  This will all culminate in our dancers learning a set piece of repertoire and performing alongside the company on Saturday 20 July.”

“The Training Ground was selected from 13 finalist dance schools across NSW, Victoria and the ACT.  We are so lucky to have been selected and this is truly a very unique and prestigious opportunity,” adds Suzy.

Images: Supplied