Nederlands Dans Theater 2, at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool

AS one might expect from the youngest section of the Nederlands Dans Theater, NDT2 crackled with energy throughout their performance at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

The sheer athleticism of these dancers held the audience spellbound.

The first work, Round Corners, was a dark piece set to often discordant music. The feeling was utilitarian, and while the dancing was undeniably impressive, the mood was as grey as the dancers' muted costumes with only occasional flashes of light from the standard lamps used as props.

The company's sense of fun came to the fore in the second piece, Indigo Rose.

The stage dramatically divided by a wedge of rippling white silk, shadow play was used to great effect, with dancers looming large and shrinking small behind the screen.

Two couples, dancing to the 50s song I'm A Fool to Care, used their baggy sweatshirts to great comic effect, twanging them like guitar strings and stretching them like an extension of their limbs.

The final piece of the evening, Sad Case, choreographed by Englishman Paul Lightfoot, set contemporary dance to blistering Latin rhythms.

From the wolf-whistle at the beginning of Perez Prado's Muchachita the mood was playful.

Many of the young dancers in NDT2 go on to join the "main" company, NDT1, but NDT2 should not be seen as second-rate by any means. Savour their freshness and vitality if you get the chance.

VALERIE COWAN

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