Richard Alston Dance Company

A Richard Alston show is a varied tapas-style collection of dance vignettes, perfect for a punter who likes a little variety. ‘Carnaval’ was elegant and ornate, benefiting from plaintive live piano from Jason Ridgway that brought the light, fluttering music to life. ‘Chacony’ meanwhile reflected the different moods of two composers: Purcell and Britten. Purcell’s music was bright and melodic, but the second Britten movement of the work stunningly combined music and movement. Elly Braund and Liam Riddick made for a fantastic pairing, with a taut lyricism to their tangible physical chemistry.

Finally, ‘Gypsy Mixture’ was more disparate, upbeat, lighthearted and colourful, with the bold and fun piece making for a fun finale, if not quite a moving one. An enjoyable, fairly straightforward ballet-tinged evening of dance that makes for a fine sampler of the form for those of a more traditional than experimental leaning.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 10 October 2017

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