The Rivoli

Dance Hall

Two people dancing — Image credit: Heidrun Löhr

A celebration of social life before social media, when to meet was to talk, laugh and move to music together.

An immersive dance hall meets dance theatre performance, The Rivoli is a tribute to the iconic dance halls across Australia that were a celebration of social life before social media. This joyous production will bring local town halls to life and communities together.

From the early 1930s to the late 1960s, the Rivoli Dance Palace in Parramatta was Western Sydney’s favourite dance hall. Demolished in 1973 to make way for an office development, now nothing remains of ‘The Riv’ except the stories of the people who danced there.

The action at the Rivoli Ballroom was broadcast on radio stations across Australia’s eastern seaboard for over a decade during the 50s and 60s. It was a place where entire families could gather to share in dancing and music. Today, the venue only exists in the memories of those who danced there.

This dance work began by imagining what such a venue would look like if it existed today. What kinds of communities would come together to reaffirm their shared identity through bodies and rhythm and music? We needed to look no further than this building to find diverse cross-sections of the community coming together to dance.

The Rivoli features some of Australia's best dancers and a stellar live band. We invite you and your favourite dance partner to be swept into an immersive exploration of mid-century nightlife, desire and social connection.

Throughout this work, you’ll hear the voices of people who danced at The Rivoli, as well as the voices of those who dance now, in Bayside. Dance has a way of bringing people and communities together in a way nothing else can.

So put your dancing shoes on and join us at Brighton Town Hall for this ode to a bygone dance era.

The Syncopators

Award-winning group, The Syncopators, is recognised by critics and peers alike as amongst the very best in Australia. Founded in 1984 by trombonist Chris Ludowyk, the group has performed at most major Jazz and Performing Arts Festivals in Australia, as well as some of the most prestigious International Jazz festivals.

Jazz musician James Morrison described the feeling you get when listening to The Syncopators.

“….this band is about that wonderful feeling you get when music is played for the sheer joy of it, the feeling you get when you just have to smile and move to the music. With a line-up of some of Australia’s best swinging players….you couldn’t ask for more," James Morrison, AO, 2009.

Featuring in the upcoming event at Brighton Town Hall, The Rivoli, this will be an evening of entertainment not to be missed.