The Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre debuted their two night performance at the Ruth Seaton James Centre last night.

The pieces were all quite different in terms of theme but there were signature movements that were repeated throughout and one or two pieces seemed long because of dance sequences that seemed to be utilised a bit too often.

The first dance, entitled 'Harvest' featured the dancers dressed in country clothes, all muted hues and pastels, with a pastel play of light on the scrim. A somewhat breezy piece to music with Celtic and folk elements, it began with the dancers frozen in different postures suggesting humans living off the land. The movement was very simple at first, gradually becoming more intricate and complex but always seeming effortless. Depicting a day in the life of the fields, movement quite obviously and matter-of-factly touched on work, rest, celebration and death. It was at times whimsical and light so that moments of eroticism or suffering came as subtle surprises.

'Black Diamond' followed. The stage was black with overhead spots on two female dancers in sheer unitards with opaque portions on the breasts and midsection. Quite an abstract dance that made interesting use of levels and light play it featured elements of modern and ballet, the dancers repeatedly showing impressive leg extensions. Sharp movement contrasted by more sinuous hip rolling underlined a fine demonstration of athleticism and technique by the duet.

My favourite piece of the evening was the dark,surrealistic and fabulous 'Wien'. With an impressive, milky wash of almost pewter light and the dancers costumed in everyday clothes reminiscent of the fifties it was was at times humorous. Mundane every day movement such as walking and running were punctuated with sudden explosive technical movements such as jumps,lifts and turns. The choreography, lighting and attitudes of the dancers created a feeling of impending disaster, fear and desperation. Violence, sexuality and an unravelling social fabric all featured prominently in this bleak, exciting wonder of creativity.

The crowd pleasing finale was 'Bolero'. The dancers donned silver costumes and the backdrop was somewhat like a cubist painting. With elements of past and future sharp militaristic movement and lines were at the foundation with each dancer breaking off in portions for a very fluid solo. Much in evidence was the signature hip rolling which effectively created dramatic counter balance with the military styled movement.

The audience seemed delighted with the show and many stood in appreciation at the end. I thought that the dancers were technically outstanding and conveyed emotion well. The choreography, while quite dramatic did not seem to vary enough from piece to piece but 'Wien' was so amazing that it more than made up for that little complaint.