World music has proved so popular, it's a wonder that world dance hasn't caught on, if only as a collective noun for all those troupes who visit from distant corners of the globe.
It seems increasingly popular in London judging by this week, and first up is the Shaolin Monks, a 22-strong troupe of Chinese soldier monks who perform Wheel Of Life (above) at the Peacock. This kung-fu 'spectacular' combines martial arts, Chinese theatre and, er, a UK-based production team. This hardly chimes with Oriental 'authenticity', but it's still a great piece of entertainment.
If you want something more unplugged, a small company of Turkish dervishes is at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday. The Ministry Of Culture-sponsored troupe honour the dervish ideal of spinning as religious ritual. Meanwhile, over at Sadler's Wells, there's Sangeetham - An Indian Summer, a week-long festival of Indian music and dance. The packed week showcases the Indian traditions with both experienced performers and a younger generation of dancers and musicians.
- Wheel Of Life, previews Tue 17 Sep, first night Wed 18 Sep, Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, WC2 (020-7863 8222). The Whirling Dervishes, Sun 15 Sep, Royal Albert Hall, SW7, (020-7589 8212). Sangeetham - An Indian Summer, Mon 16-Sat 21 Sep, Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1 (020-7863 8000).
