Dutch dancers are electrifying

May 22 2007 Barbara Hodgson, The Journal

If you thought ballet was boring you've obviously never seen Nederlands Dans Theater 2 (NDT2).

The company, based in The Hague and led by artistic director Gerald Tibbs, has one of the world's most exciting - and probably youngest - selection of dancers.

The group of 17 to 23-year-olds are hand-picked from hundreds who audition for the company, so audiences know they're in for something special.

Friday and Saturday night this week see the company return to the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, with three vibrant contemporary pieces, all performed with a mix of technical perfection and natural passion and flair.

Sleepless, a work of fantasy and illusion, will be followed by the UK premiere of Sleight of Hand which promises to be both effortlessly cool and at times electrifying.

It is a work imagining two fantastically tall people observing a series of dance routines going on below them.

The third piece, Chapeau, was initially created as a gift to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, who was known for her impressive collection of hats. It's performed to the songs of Prince.

You can't say they're not different.

Performances start at 7.30pm. For tickets, call the box office on (0191) 244-2518.

Tonight's performance at the Theatre Royal by African musician Madina N'Diaya has been cancelled due to last-minute visa problems.

Anyone who has bought a ticket and has not yet been contacted by the theatre can call the box office, above, for a full refund. Theatre bosses hope the concert, which was to be the only UK date on Madina's tour, can be rescheduled.