Richard Alston Dance Company presented the world premiere of Stronghold alongside two repertory dance pieces and a performance from the youth company of Ceyda Tanc Dance.

Stronghold, choreographed by Martin Lawrance, is a composition of movement which perfectly plays with the tension provided by Julia Wolfe’s musical arrangement for eight double basses.

As the company move through the angular, synchronised movements, the music ebbs and flows beneath them creating a deep emotional resonance.

Ceyda Tanc Youth Dance are a talented group of young dancers with a company identity and flair beyond their years.

They presented Volta; a piece inspired by traditional Turkish folk dance and prison walking exercises in a culture where turning your back on a fellow inmate is highly offensive.

The dancers had a strong connection with each other and the expressive choreography.

Richard Alston Dance Company then presented Mazur – a story of longing and friendship accompanied by pianist Jason Ridgway. A classical contemporary style complemented Chopin’s music.

The final piece was Nomadic which was full of surprise and mystery.

Richard Alston collaborated with Ajani Johnson-Goffe to choreograph this piece about living outside of society, creating a joyful and complex expression of a community depending solely on one another.

Four stars