Going to see the Rambert Dance Company is like getting pick 'n' mix sweets: you're never quite sure what you're going to get next, but you know it will always tantalise the taste buds. Britain's flagship company of modern dance is celebrating its 80th anniversary by touring new and old works around the country, and as ever, the company's dancers show their versatility by entertaining, stimulating, and inspiring the audience. bloom The Rambert's October 2006 visit to the Norwich Theatre Royal opens with the lively bloom, by Aletta Collins. This engaging work was first performed by the company at Sadler's Wells in London earlier this year. The dancers looked relaxed as they showed just how theatrical contemporary dance can be - with their chatter, laughter and shouts adding to the passionate portrayal of relationships through their movements. The music, which includes tracks from the acclaimed Romanian gypsy band Taraf de Haïdouks, is reminiscent of Richard Alston's acclaimed Gypsy Mixture which was performed on the same stage earlier this year. It provides an eclectic backdrop for an energetic, witty and enjoyable performance - although dance aficionados looking for the depth of Alston's piece may not be so impressed. Pond Way
 | | Pond Way (detail) |
Pond Way is almost the exact opposite. Whereas bloom can be lauded for its accessibility, this work is challenging and demanding for both the dancers and the audience. Choreographed by the great Merce Cunningham in 1998, Pond Way takes its inspiration from an exhibition by Roy Lichenstein, who was best known for his comic-book approach to art. Cunningham's trademark angular style is prominent throughout this piece, which is set to an echoing watery sound composed by Brian Eno. The jagged, darting movements of the dancers evoke all sorts of wildlife from both above and beneath the water. But however precise and exact they were, the surreal nature of the piece keeps many people at arm’s length. Stand And Stare The company’s 2006 tour of Norwich ends with the new Stand And Stare by Darshan Singh Buller, again drawn from a painting. The work was commissioned by the Lowry Theatre in Salford and showcases the full potential of the company. Self-portraits by LS Lowry, which were only revealed when some of his paintings were X-rayed, define the stage, and the London Musici provide the powerful musical backdrop from Bártok.
 | | Stand And Stare (detail) |
The 19 dancers interweave and knit themselves together in a complicated pattern, which is gently unraveled as the work nears its end. The eerie self-portraits are replaced by one of another of his works, The Sea (1963), and a beautiful duet takes place while dancers stand and sway in the distance.Ìý As always with the Rambert Dance Company, few could be disappointed with the energy and dedication of their performance, and the variety of their repertoire. While Pond Way may just prove too challenging for some, bloom and Stand And Stare provide plenty of food for thought. The Rambert Dance Company perform at the Norwich Theatre Royal until Friday, 6 October, 2006. The tour continues at:
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Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe
Wednesday 11 - Saturday 14 October 2006ÌýÌýÌý
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Theatre Royal, Bath
Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 October 2006ÌýÌýÌý
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Edinburgh Festival Theatre
Wednesday 25 - Friday 27 October 2006ÌýÌýÌý
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Forum Theatre, Malvern
Wednesday 1 - Saturday 4 November 2006ÌýÌýÌý
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Sadler's Wells, London
Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 November 2006ÌýÌýÌý
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New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Thursday 30 November - Saturday 2 December 2006ÌýÌýÌý
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Theatre Royal, Plymouth
Wednesday 6 - Saturday 9 December 2006Ìý Images by Chris Nash | 
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