REVIEW: Evolution, Acosta Danza, Theatre Royal Norwich

Back in Norwich for the second year running and what a treat for us dance lovers! This passionate company breaks just about every rule going to produce something very new and different - very physical yet controlled and even, at times, unnerving.

Formed by the living legend that is Carlos Acosta in 2015, the dancers are from his homeland of Cuba and this is the European premiere of his new production.

There are four separate pieces - a mixture of new and established numbers. The first is a new piece, Satori, by up and coming choreographer, Raul Reinoso, who also performs it alongside the rather remarkable Zeleydi Crespo.

A second new piece, Paysage, Soudain, La Nuit, follows, which uses rumba rhythms, and then it was Faun, performed by just two dancers to a predominantly Debussy score.

For most of us, I suspect, the highlight was the final section. It was by far the most accessible piece, Rooster, performed to music by the Rolling Stones, and also saw Acosta take to the stage for much of the half hour. I found it hard to watch anyone else as there was a stillness, a precision about him, that was quite mesmerizing.

But this is a thoroughly exciting company: graceful yet athletic, daring yet conventional. It’s a real shot in the arm for the dance world.

Evolution runs tonight only. Visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Sarah Hardy