A rare privilege and pleasure was afforded to Malvern audiences by the English National Ballet's artistically stimulating and thought-provoking quartet of dance interpretations.

Perpetual throbbing from Brian Eno's original score and a star-spangled backdrop, focused on Hollywood Smash & Grab, a saga of intense jealousy of a dominant 'past her prime' actress, when overlooked by the Oscars in preference to a younger one.

Choreographer Noel Wallace had devised a multiform of dance styles: pointe-work, modern and theatrical mime, staggered synchronisation, symmetrical movement, lithe partnerships and pensive solo.

Wayne McGregor's beautiful choreography of 2 Human, danced to the last movement of Bach's Partita No 2 in D minor for violin was intensely emotional. Superlative dancing by Agnes Oaks and Thomas Edur saw them in a continuous mobile flow, curving bodies as the music was phrased, changing tempi and direction as Bach's genius persuaded. Their aesthetic sensitivity and beauty of outline created within vigorous gymnastic lifts was spellbinding.

Side Show, created by Kenneth MacMillan to music by Stravinsky, conceived for Lynn Seymour and Rudolf Nureyev originally, was danced in character by 'strong man' Jan-Erik Wikstrom and disdainful Erina Takahashi. As they entered in a delightful out-of-step manner, hum-our and fun emanated from them, the quintessence of the score's twists and tricks of rhythm delivered precisely, in movement.

An illusion of being in a Big Top set the stage for Manoeuvre and choreographer Patrick Lewis's dazzling showcase of agility. Classical ballet was interwoven with acrobatic dives, pyramids and elevations to conclude a truly memorable display of versatile excellence in the field of dance.

Jill Hopkins