Dance review: Northern Ballet Theatre

UNLESS you've seen or read any of the previous filmic and literary versions of this show, you'd be forgiven for wearing a confused expression throughout the first half. Rarely do plots come more complex than Pierre Choderlos de Laclos' 18th-century novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, with its multifarious sexual goings-on. So, without words to communicate who's trying to seduce who, Northern Ballet Theatre had its work cut out.

Fortunately, four things render the convoluted storyline irrelevant when it comes to audience enjoyment. Firstly, Dangerous Liaisons is very easy on the eye. A brightly lit stage, filled with four glittering chandeliers and white furniture, is the perfect backdrop for the colours and textures of the period costumes. With each dancer clad in a distinctive shade, the dresses and frock coats played an invaluable role in helping us identify characters.

For that we have to thank David Nixon, the multitalented artistic director of Northern Ballet Theatre, who not only choreographed the ballet, but designed the set and costumes as well. His steps are the second reason this show hits the spot – be it synchronised court dances or ardour-filled pas de deux, his movement is replete with athleticism and wit. Nixon also made an astute choice musically, fusing together several lively Vivaldi pieces to perfectly capture the frivolity and pain inherent to the story.

Finally, high praise is due to the Northern Ballet Theatre dancers, whose ability to inhabit a role with touching believability never ceases to impress.

Dance review: Northern Ballet Theatre - Dangerous Liaisons