Feb Fest: Ascension Dance Company Presents: Amaris & Rae

Amaris & Rae is a visually enchanting, family-friendly dance theatre experience that invites audiences into a universe powered by imagination, curiosity, and courage. Inspired by the boundless wonder of childhood, the show follows Amaris, a young dreamer captivated by the mysteries of space, and her older brother Rae, who harbours a very different relationship with the dark.

Amaris thrives in it. To her, darkness is not something to fear but a canvas—alive with galaxies, shooting stars, and the possibility of adventure. Armed with homemade “space gear” and an unstoppable imagination, she transforms her surroundings into a cosmic playground, inspired by pioneering astronauts like Mae Jemison and Chiaki Mukai.

Rae, however, is hesitant. The unknown unsettles him. But when Amaris invites him into her world, what begins as uncertainty becomes a shared journey of discovery. Together, they step beyond their surroundings and into an extraordinary, imagined universe—floating through constellations, dodging alien encounters, and uncovering breathtaking new worlds.

Blending dynamic choreography, immersive design, and playful audience interaction, Amaris & Rae explores themes of bravery, sibling connection, and the transformative power of imagination. It gently reframes darkness as a place of possibility rather than fear, encouraging young audiences to see the unseen in a new light.

With a tactile set designed for touring and a post-show participatory experience, this production extends beyond the stage, inviting children and families to become explorers themselves.

Perfect for young audiences and their grown-ups, Amaris & Rae is a joyful, sensory-rich adventure that reminds us all: sometimes, the greatest journeys begin when we simply close our eyes and imagine.

Photography: Andrew Moore