Royal New Zealand Ballet well received at Alhambra (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Alhambra joy as ballet company put on dazzling show

10:30pm Wednesday 20th July 2011 in Reviews By Hannah Baker

It may be a small dance troupe but the Royal New Zealand Ballet certainly knows how to leave its mark.

Stopping in Bradford for just one night this evening at the Alhambra as part of a world tour, the company’s 18 dancers left the packed venue mesmerised by their bold and exhilarating trio of contemporary works.

The first, Plan to A, set to a haunting score by Heinrich Biber, saw seven dancers in simple red costumes glide effortlessly in an energetic and stylised performance.

The soft lighting, spine-tingling music and beautiful choreography by New Zealander Andrew Simmons of the second work, A Song in the Dark, combined to make a stunning performance.

Inspired by the themes of love and missed opportunities, the dancers moved seamlessly from one movement to the next.

The music of the final piece, Banderillero, was that of Chinese virtuoso percussionist Yim Hok-Man and while not quite so easy on the ear as those of the other two works, it enabled the troupe to display their incredible skill and ability. Let’s hope they stay in Bradford for longer next time.