NDT2, Newcastle Theatre Royal

May 23 2007 By The Evening Chronicle

One of the freshest and most exciting dance companies in the world will be performing for two nights only at Newcastle's Theatre Royal this week.

Founded in 1978, NDT2 is the second, younger company of Nederlands Dans Theater and over the past 29 years has established a reputation for the astounding technique and boundless energy of its young dancers.

The company, at the Theatre Royal on Friday and Saturday, consists of 16 dancers aged between 17 and 23. Today it is led by artistic director Gerald Tibbs and performs all over the world, from its base in The Hague to Rio de Janeiro, from Tokyo to New York.

NDT2 performs three pieces at the Theatre Royal, including the UK premiere of a new work for five dancers by resident choreographic duo Paul Lightfoot and Sol Léon.

Sleight of Hand was commissioned by The Dance Company, who present NDT2 in the UK.

It is an intriguing piece of choreography, featuring two fantastically tall people observing a series of dance routines going on below them from two couples and a solo man, effortlessly cool and at times electrifying.

Two works by the renowned choreographer Jií Kylián, former artistic director of Nederlands Dans Theater, will be performed: Sleepless and Chapeau.

In Sleepless, the stage is converted into a place of illusion and fantasy in an intriguing celebration of the human form.

Chapeau was created as a present to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands (known for her collection of huge hats), created for 12 dancers and exuberantly performed to the songs of Prince.

NDT2 appears at the Theatre Royal on Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost between £12.50 and £23 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0870 905 5060 or online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk