Dance review: Danish Dance Theatre

Published on Sunday 20 February 2011 19:06

Danish Dance Theatre Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling ****

BORN in Birmingham and trained at the Royal Ballet School, Tim Rushton may have his roots in the UK, but his creativity has flourished far from these shores. A dancer and choreographer in Germany, Sweden and Denmark for almost 30 years, Rushton has soaked up a huge amount of European and Scandinavian flavour. Yet the classical lines of his ballet school days are still very much in evidence – as observed when Rushton finally made his UK debut as a choreographer.

Last Wednesday, Rushton's beautiful Monolith received its world premiere with Rambert Dance Company, followed two nights later by the inaugural visit to Scotland by Danish Dance Theatre, which Rushton has been artistic director of for the past ten years. The company presented three works, all choreographed by Rushton, but all markedly different.

Enigma used passionate duets to explore the nuances of communication. The male/female partnerships were at turns tender, sensual and anguished. By contrast, CaDance was a celebration of testosterone-charged movement and music. Backed by two percussionists, five male dancers threw themselves around the stage in a captivating display of raw energy.

Rushton saved the best till last, however, and his award-winning Kridt (Chalk) was a treat. A group of friends gather to say goodbye to a dying friend in a work dripping with emotion. At times, Rushton's choreography and Peteris Vasks's exquisite score came together so perfectly, it was almost overwhelming in its beauty.