This summer's Beijing Olympics see not only our athletes going to China but also their artists coming to the UK. The Royal Opera House has an early oar in this sporting-cultural exchange with the Beijing Modern Dance Company, a small troupe on a short visit to the Linbury.
The company of 11 able dancers describes itself as combining China's traditions with influences from abroad and while this is occasionally true, the troupe looks unequivocally Asian.
This is especially the case with Oath (Midnight Rain). Its content and emphasis, not to mention its remoteness and movement mix, are very different from Western expectations of theatre. Oath features a series of solos so visually striking that they are more individual pageants than dances for one. They range from trapeze work and traditional Chinese opera characters to martial arts and men impersonating women, with the equal-opportunities allure that implies. There is also a woman adopting the foxy moves of urban discos, and another evoking rural calm.
The shift and friction between old and new, city and country are clear themes in both Oath and the second work, Unfettered Journey, although the latter has a more urban feel.
Both are too long, and, to Western eyes, too ponderous and po-faced. They also look pick 'n' mix, rather than a true synthesis of Orient and Occident. But they are a fascinating insight into how China sees itself and the world.
Until 16 February (020 7304 4000).
Beijing Modern Dance Company
Linbury Studio Theatre At Royal Opera House
Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD
