National Dance Company Wales presents an exhilarating programme of dance that will enrapture, enchant and inspire audiences as it travels the UK this Autumn.
Twelve dancers, handpicked from around the world, will perform three compelling and exciting works, showcasing the best in international contemporary dance to theatre-goers in Wales, England and Scotland.
Ohad Naharin, one of the world’s great choreographers, presents two of his seminal works. B/olero is a hypnotic female duet with elegant costumes set to Ravel’s famous music, during which the dancers crescendo from rhythmical clockwork movements into a dynamic explosion of dance in response to the music. This seamlessly makes way for Black Milk, a ceremonial dance that encapsulates the tribal physicality of five male dancers. Energised and athletic, the purity and simplicity of the dance is beguiling and richly satisfying.
Quixoteland, by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, is a modern interpretation of the story of Don Quixote, based on the famous 17th century book by Cervantes. Internationally-renowned choreographer Ramírez brings to life the eccentric townsfolk, priests and lovers of the book and the town they inhabit with a brilliantly imaginative set featuring twenty-foot high lances. Accompanied by the thrilling music from Ludwig Minkus’s 1869 ballet, dynamic movements express intense emotions, culminating in a powerful duet between the two lovers.
In Phantoms Of Us, choreographer Eleesha Drennan and collaborating artist Sue Williams use rich movement and visual language in this poetic work of dramatic intensity and physical demand. Accompanied by rhythmic percussion, playful jazz and sensuous strings, Phantoms Of Us takes eight dancers on a journey, contrasting expressive solos with energetic ensembles as they seek the courage to be truly free.
The tour opens on September 22nd 2011 at the Dance House, Wales Millennium Centre. The company will then take to the road with dates across Wales, England and Scotland.
Ann Sholem, the Company’s Artistic Director, said: “We are thrilled to be touring three wonderful productions this season. Ohad Naharin is one of the dance world’s greatest choreographers and I have been keen to present his work to UK audiences for a long time. Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s Quixoteland is a uniquely comical dance that delighted audiences earlier in the year. We’re also proud to be showcasing the work of Eleesha Drennan, an exciting new choreographic talent. Audiences can expect three exceptional works that demonstrate the talents of our dancers and technical teams.”
The company is also pleased to introduce several new dancers. Josef Perou, from Sussex, joins the Company after working with Ballet Central 08, Bare Bones, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Henri Oguike Dance Company. Gareth Mole marks his first season as a full company dancer after a successful year as an apprentice with the Company.
Three new apprentices have also joined the Company, Camille Giraudeau, Naomi Tadevossian and Nicholas Bodych.
Artistic Director Ann Sholem said; “Whether you’re a seasoned National Dance Company Wales fan or have never seen a contemporary dance show before, we look forward to welcoming you and demonstrating just why we have become a leading name on the international dance stage.”
“National Dance Company Wales continues its steady ascent up the cultural ladder”
The Times
“Bold, dramatic dancers seen to fine advantage”
The Observer
“pure contemporary genius”
The Guardian
“It was thrilling, Ann Sholem can be proud. Wales can be proud”
Dancing Times
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