Triumphs and Other Alternatives

Copy of LOGO Edit-2 Hi 300dpi
Past tour: Tour-Makers presented Triumphs and Other Alternatives in Tauranga, Napier, Nelson and Christchurch in October 2016. If you are interested in this work please contact Muscle Mouth.

Triumphs and Other Alternatives collides sculpture with gutsy performance to create an original and visceral new style of dance theatre. Combining dance, visual art, clowning, design, and theatre craft, Ross McCormack directs an exemplary piece of contemporary performance. Watch a clip HERE


It is a triumph. ...Ross McCormack's stage presence is magnetic” - Dominion Post

“… this really is a perfect example of dance theatre … It is a work of art - Theatreview


Triumphs and Other Alternatives explores the obsessiveness and traps of the creative process, demonstrating a delusional joy that the act of creating can bring forth. The show follows a vulnerable, delightful, obsessive and narcissistic character, played by Ross McCormack, relentless in his need to create and his desire to leave his mark on the world.

Innovative and progressive, producing a new way of presenting dance, design and storytelling. Set within a very literal world onstage – the artist’s workshop, the show opens up the curiosity surrounding the artistic process, how artists make their work and what drives them. The design is incredibly powerful incorporated real world elements without any reliance on technology. The world premiere took place in April 2015 at the Hannah Playhouse, Wellington and has since enjoyed sell out shows and standing ovations everywhere it has been performed.

The choreographer and lead performer, Ross McCormack, has enjoyed a stellar international performance career as a member of Belgium’s renowned Les Ballets C de la B Company for ten years. He has recently returned to NZ to establish Muscle Mouth upon receiving commission from NZ Festival. A multifaceted company, Muscle Mouth specialises in new forms of visual dance theatre and performance installation.

Triumphs and Other Alternatives is the company’s second full-length performance work in New Zealand. Performing alongside McCormack are dancers Emily Adams and Xin Ji. Triumphs and Other Alternatives also features original light design by Natasha James and sound design by sonic artist Jason Wright.

Recent Media:

15 Oct/The Nelson Mail (Review): Deft display of dance a real triumph
14 Oct/The Press: From Picton to the world and back again
12 Oct/The Christchurch Mail: Dancing his way back to Christchurch
11 Oct/Radio NZ Upbeat: Innovative story telling through movement
23 Sep/The Nelson Mail: Super-fit performers defy theatrical constraints
21 Sep/Hawkes Bay Today: Artist uses dance to explore creative process
Images: Jason Wright