CONTEMPORARY African dance will illuminate the stage at Pershore's Number 8.

The community centre for arts will welcome Tavaziva Dance, led by its founder and artistic director Bawren Tavaziva, on Thursday, March 6.

The company, which combines African dance traditions with modern Western choreography, will perform four pieces.

The energetic dances reflect a wide range of moods. Makwikwi is a light-hearted, playful piece which shows off the dancers' personalities and backgrounds; Pachedu is a political dance inspired by Coleridge's essay on the evils of slavery; Mr Man is a powerful solo that explores the abolition of slavery and new-found freedom; while The Last Word is a witty duet featuring two dancers and a chair.

For tickets call the Number 8 box office on 01386 555488 or visit www.number8.org.