Dream Swamp, in The Show Room, Arts Centre Melbourne

I can’t think of a better way to introduce young ones to the power of dance than by seeing Dream Swamp.

That is due to the remarkable feats of Michaela Tancheff and Harrison Ritchie Jones.

Both are so agile and potent, as they leap, roll, throw and catch in a mesmerising display of athletic prowess, as we enter a magical, child-like world. 

Photos by Gregory Lorenzutti

Complete with attractive cartoon visuals and a beautiful score drawn from Peer Gynt, The Nutcracker and Ave Maria there is a freedom about their movement.

As we enter The Showroom, in front of us is a very large video screen displaying an attic.

In front of the screen are two small mattresses, upon which sit pillows.

To the right is a chest of drawers, with a table lamp on top.

To the left are a couple of large exercise balls and a bean bag.

In no time, these props will be of great use in the show. 

The dancers are playful throughout, as they transition through different settings, readily engaging the young audience for the show’s half hour running time.

They can readily replicate each other’s actions, so they ply their craft in perfect unison.

At the same time, they complement one another, whether sleeping, transforming into a horse or other characters, swimming under water or being shot into the sky.

Melanie Lane’s imaginative choreography is superb, as Tancheff and Jones all but defy gravity.

In short, they partake in a grand adventure and take us with them.

Dream Swamp is fantasy personified. It is about time travel and shape shifting.

It says to me that there is no limit to what we can achieve if we dream big and aim for the stars.

That is a positive message to send to youngsters.

This kaleidoscope of sound, colour and movement is well worth a watch, just perfect for children aged four and up, their parents and grandparents.

It is on in The Show Room, Arts Centre Melbourne until 19^th October, 2025, as part of Dance X.