Passion with vigour in Introdans' Superstars

Expression through dance at its most invigorating, artistic director Roel Voorintholt's magnificent compilation showcasing masterworks from five of the world's top choreographers marks the sixth tour to South Africa of this astounding Dutch company. It is understandable why the Introdans company has wowed the world with its refreshing and invigorating interpretations and harmonious unison, highlighting the musicality and astonishing dynamics of dance. Following their successful performances in Durban, and now a short visit to Cape Town, they will perform in New York in two weeks' time.

Aymeric Aude's powerful vibrant and energetic interpretation

The highlight of the evening is undoubtedly Aymeric Aude's powerful vibrant and energetic interpretation and passionate performance of Swedish choreographer Mats Ek's Pas de Danse. Ek's lyrical and light-footed ballet is magnificently set to the music of Arsringer (from Fold Music in Sweden), Benny Andersson's Födelsedagvals till Mona. Pas de Danse is playfully wicked, wild and wacky and also features Merel Jansen, Jamy Schinkelshoek and Matthieu Di Scala.

From the opening of choreographer Hans van Manen's vibrant Polish Piece, the ensemble of 12 dancers in brightly coloured tunics turns the stage into a sea of sexual tension with their robust raw energy. Tightly choreographed with meticulous precision to the stirring music of Henryk Mikolaj Górecki, this highly charged ballet will have your pulse racing as the dancers flawlessly explode through mutating formations. Male dancers Aude, Matthieu Di Scala, Alberto Villanueva Rodriquez, Rubem Ameling, Jurriën Schobben and Guiseppe Calabrese lead Alexis Geddes, Elena Pampoula, Jamy Schinkelshoek, Vivian Sauerbreij, Merel Jansen and Anouk Nekelmans through a tense and tight battle of motion and emotion.

Choreographer Jirí Kylián's Evening Songs is soulful and spiritual. Set to the music of Dvorak's Vier Lieder für gemischen Chor, featuring the Pavel Kühn Choir Prague, its quiet serenity offers a restrained piece with three dance pairs, where older traditions and the modern dance idiom clash head-on in a display of beauty and power. Calabrese, Schobben and Di Scala lead Pampoula, Jansen and Geddes through an amazing emotional sequence that is refined and tranquil.

Ohad Naharin's naughty and sensual ballet Anaphase

The second half of the evening offers Ohad Naharin's naughty and sensual ballet Anaphase, set to music by Guem for the Batsheva Dance Company in Israel. Schobben and Sauerbreij are sensational in this humourous and rhythmic exploration of sexual awakening.

The evening ends on a high note with choreographer Nacho Duato's outstanding Sinfonia India, drawing inspiration from the ritual dances of Mexican Indians. Brimming with sensuality, this exuberant and evocative dance is beautifully underscored emotionally by Carlos Chávez' music, Sinfonia India Symphony 2 by the Orquestra Sinfónica de Madrid.

Featuring the ensemble, this climactic celebration of dance offers vivacious choreography that end the evening on a joyful high, wanting more. If you want to escape into an evening of dance that is filled with passion, vigour and sensuality, Introdans' Superstars will add rhythm to your life.

The Superstars season runs at the Baxter Main Theatre until 14 September at 8pm and with a matinee on 14 September at 2.30pm. Book at Computicket or the Baxter box office on +27 (0)21 680 3989.

Behind the scenes

Introdans, the internationally renowned Arnhem-based modern dance company, was founded in 1971 by Hans Focking and Ton Wiggers. The artistic director is Roel Voorintholt, the general director is Ton Wiggers and HRH Princess Margriet of The Netherlands is the patron. Introdans presents modern ballet performances on the themes: Old Masters, Contemporary Partners, New Talent. Various choreographers create ballets for the company that combine classical elements and modern techniques and styles. Since 1971 Introdans has grown into a top dance company. With a healthy dose of ambition, the company remains true to its mission to present high-quality dance to a broad public. Since 2009 Introdans has been designated part of the basic national infrastructure of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. As the city of Arnhem's flagship company, Introdans performs in theatres throughout The Netherlands and travels the world.

Read more at www.writingstudio.co.za/page1746.html.