Following the highly successful re-launch of Milford Haven's Torch Theatre last week, what could be more fitting than a visit by Wales' National Dance Company to kick off their lively season of entertainment. Cardiff based Diversions, who celebrate their 25th anniversary this year, are making more than a splash in Wales with their sensational, and aptly named double-bill Silver, which performs at the Torch next week. Two new dances from two hotshot American choreographers are a smart and slick pairing for the 10 sensational dancers. As the Air to Handel's Water Music introduces Sugarwater, strange sonic clicks and the unusual opening movement of the dancers give the piece an unusual and compelling heartbeat. Steven Shropshire can be congratulated for creating this unusual and thrilling physical dance, which plays well to the company's strengths and yet is both playful and sensual. Described as the hippest and brainiest of New York's choreographers, Stephen Petronio's piece, Strange Attractors, makes the temperature in the theatre rise by several degrees! The opening is set to a track by Placebo and David Bowie and sees the dancers in skimpy black costumes convulsing through a series of orgasmic movements. In Part II, the soundtrack uses the exhilarating clubby beats of James Lavelle as a cue for some more athletically demanding work, "with dark smudges beneath their eyes, the dancers stagger, stride and punch the air like a gang of criminal urban warriors determined to tear up the town." Diversions can be seen at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven on Wednesday and Thursday, April 9 and 10, after which the company wind up their tour in Swansea before going to Milan to take part in their International Dance Festival in June. Tickets for the performances at the Torch Theatre and further information on their season of live entertainment can be had by calling their Box Office on 01646 695267.
