Henri Oguike Dance Company May 1, 2007

Henri Oguike, dubbed as one of the most musical choreographers of his generation, returns with his eight-strong troupe to offer a mixed bill which promises some grandly expansive dancing and intuitive choreography.

The repertoires include the world premières of Green in Blue and Little Red, as well as compositions by Vivaldi, Shostakovich, Ali Farka Toure and two of the UK's leading composers, Steve Martland and Iain Ballamy.

Green in Blue sees the choreographer's first foray into jazz and a major new collaboration with the internationally renowned saxophonist Iain Ballamy. The dancers spark off Ballamy's band to infuse a crisp yet playful energy into this full company work. By contrast, two of Vivaldi's magnificent violin concertos breathe fire into Little Red.

Oguike's signature piece, the searing and poignant Front Line unfolds against the vivid setting of Shostakovich's 9th Quartet, played live by the Pavâo Quartet. This season offers the last chance to witness this urgent and muscular sextet.

Inspired by Blake's poem The Tyger, the plucked strings and springy lines of Steve Martland's score are reflected by the dancers' sinuous and feline movements in Tiger Dancing.

Set to the quietly beautiful Saharan blues of guitarist Ali Farka Toure, Expression Lines sees Oguike evoke the harsh contrasts of equatorial sand and sky in an intense yet reflective solo.

Official Website: http://www.henrioguikedance.co.uk/tour/forthcoming/