Wait, why are there people dancing in Fed Square?

6 days ago 5

There’s no rule saying you can’t dance in Fed Square – but as of this week, it’s actively encouraged. As part of this year’s Melbourne Fringe, the space is playing host to Power Move, a centrepiece work of this year’s festival.

The usually sandy expanse has been broken up with a block of colour, designed by local street artist Drez. Unlike most artworks, the idea is that people walk over and through it, using their movement to bring it to life.

Artists at Power Move during the launch of Melbourne Fringe Festival in Federation Square.

Power Move is a kinetic dance floor at Fed Square that aims to generate enough power to offset the energy it uses, explains Melbourne Fringe creative director and CEO Simon Abrahams.

“Every step they take, every shimmy across the dance floor, will generate power that will offset the project. We’re literally using people power to dance their way through the festival to generate enough energy and power to change the world.”

If you’re not a big dancer, that’s OK. “You can jump up and down on the spot. You can walk. It doesn’t require skill; it’s just about letting loose and having a great time.” Or, for those who prefer, they can take part by jumping on one of the stationary bikes at the site.

Open during the day from Tuesdays to Sundays across the festival, in addition to being its own event, Power Move will also serve as a space to host other festival events: there will be activities for children, dance performances by community groups, and a series of DJ performances, including opportunities where anyone can be the DJ. “There’s always something happening there,” says Abrahams. “And you can also just come and join in, jump on board, and have a good time.”

Mass Effect performs at the launch of Melbourne Fringe Festival in Federation Square.

This year’s festival theme is Action Heroes and with more than 500 shows on the schedule, 2025 is the biggest year in the Fringe’s history.

“We’ve got literally thousands of artists performing in hundreds of events, all trying to say something about the world,” says Abrahams. “We’re not talking about action heroes as being people with their undies on the outside, flying through the air. We’re talking about action heroes as everyday people who can make a difference, who can imagine a world that they want to see and take steps, take action to make the world a better place.”

Power Move embodies this theme, quite literally. “So sure, it’s a piece about climate change, but it’s joyful, and it’s participatory, and it’s instant,” Abrahams reflects. “I love the message of it, which is that collectively we can make change, and collectively we can have impact. And for me, that’s the message of Melbourne Fringe.”

Melbourne Fringe is on until October 19.

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