English National Theatre's Tour de Force promises a showcase of diverse choreographic talent.

The opening night in Brighton sees the world premiere of Noel Wallace's specially-commissioned work, Hollywood Smash and Grab.

A graduate from London's Arts Educational School, Noel auditioned for the English National Ballet in 1985, becoming the company's first black classical ballet dancer.

"It was hard to fit into a company", Noel explains. "With the survival techniques I had to develop from an early I'd grown up quickly.

"I hated the routine of class every morning, then rehearsing the same thing over and over. But I stuck to it because that discipline became a very calming influence on me."

Noel describes his latest break as a stroke of luck: "I thought I'd show Matz Skoog, the ENB's artistic director, a tape of some of my choreography and he asked me to do this piece for the company."

Noel describes Hollywood Smash and Grab as a choreographic exploration of the central themes of celebrity, terrorism and art.

Opening with a burlesque of Hollywood, expect the performance to shoot off into the abstract.

"I believe that there are moments in the piece that the audience will never have experienced before", says Noel full of enthusiasm.

"I'm bored by bodies just moving with no meaning," he adds. "I want something to happen, and mostly to your heart."

The ENB will also perform Kenneth MacMillian's Side Show, Wayne McGregor's 2 Human and Patrick Lewis' Manoeuvre.

Starts 7.45pm, tickets £10.50 to £22.50. Call 01273 328488 for further information.

Preview by Emma Blundell, features@theargus.co.uk