Shobana Jeyasingh Dance is renowned for presenting a blend of dance styles – contemporary and classical Indian.

This movement vocabulary was explored and expanded on within the double bill of Material Men and Strange Blooms both commissioned by the Southbank Centre.

Moving out of her choreographic comfort zone, Shobana Jeysingh embraced hip-hop to tell the story of cultural clash and immigration in Material Men with electrifying results.

A stark set piece barrier of jutting sticks created a border for the dancers to explore. The duet between nations was mesmerising, elevated by The Smith Quartet, who underscored the movement live onstage with haunting, erratic strings.

Strange Blooms was a meticulously observed exploration of the movement of plants down to a cellular level.

Jeyasingh’s signature style was infused with tightly choreographed ensemble work, creating an androgynous anonymity amongst the dancers.

The animated projections complemented the onstage action beautifully, allowing the audience insight into the abstract movement without disrupting the organic imitation of plants in human bodies.

Jeyasingh has brought together a highly skilled international artistic team to produce short and impressive pieces which perfectly communicate the abstract and emotional themes that this choreography responds to.

Four stars