Particle Velocity

Richard Alston's fresh commission All Alight is a startlingly classical addition to the company's repertoire. Live musicians on stage play Ravel's Sonata For Violin And Cello while seven dancers respond in elegant solos, duets and trios.

It's followed by Jose Agudo's solo piece Ki, which takes its inspiration from Genghis Khan's life story.

Against a stark monochrome set and pulsating electronica, Josh Wille slowly and uncertainly rises from a twisted crouch into a muscular standing position as he reaches towards his destiny.

The martial arts influence and concept have a strength that don't quite translate into audience engagement during the 10-minute piece, which is also true of Sharon Watson's new work Repetition Of Change.

A response to the intricate world of DNA, the 20-minute piece is set to Kenneth Hesketh's experimental jazz score. The opening sequences are stunning, with the flowing tunics of the eight dancers being used as an extension of the stage design and its props.

Yet the concept seems to get in the way of the choreography and it's frequently confused and over-complicated.

Far more successful is Douglas Thorpe's Tender Crazy Love, which combines crackly old soul and surf records with a blistering duet that explores the extremes of desire. Told in three episodes, the palpable sexual chemistry is matched by a raw delivery that includes strategically falling red glitter.

If the pieces that comprise Particle Velocity are somewhat patchy, then Tender Crazy Love alone justifies the admission price.

Tours until May 23, details at www.phoenixdancetheatre.co.uk.