Rambert Dance Company prove they're still one of the best

Rambert have the reputation of being one of the best dance companies in Britain, and their World View Tour 2007 is everything contemporary dance ought to be: emotional, theatrical, and accessible to a lay audience. The evening's programme consists of four pieces. First is Melanie Teall's 'L'eveil,' performed by six female dancers accompanied by singer Melanie Marshall. Taking femininity as its theme and taking its inspiration from historical and artistic sources, 'L'eveil' puts forth a strong visual message about the nature of the female body on display. Next is 'Gran Partita,' choreographed by Karole Armitage, which successfully evokes the courtly wit and manners of Mozart's music despite the modernity of the movements and costumes.

The real triumph was the latter part of the show, beginning with Christopher Bruce's 'Swansong.' The piece with the clearest narrative, Swansong unfurls a darkly sinister scene of interrogation and torture set to breathy, synthesized music. Bruce's brilliant choreography manages to turn a large stage into a tiny prison cell and the guards' mincing soft-shoe movements are much more powerful and frightening than an overt display of violence. Although first performed 20 years ago, 'Swansong' remains relevant and poignant today.

'Infinity,' a much more conceptual work, is the most technically and visually impressive. The dancers' movements are at times animalistic, at times gracefully acrobatic, but always beautifully coordinated. Choreographer Garry Stewart worked with advanced yoga and gymnastics during this piece and it shows – the dancers contort their bodies into seemingly impossible positions. With an evocative orchestral soundtrack and gorgeous staging, 'Infinity' wasa dramatic and appropriate finish to the evening.

With Rambert's World View Tour we are reminded at every turn that we are watching some of the most talented dancers in the world. The company manage to make every step look simultaneously controlled and effortless, never faltering individually or as a team. The Tour is long, so don't take anyone who's likely to fall asleep during nearly two hours of dance, plus two 20-minute intervals. However, it's well worth your time to see this exemplary production.