THE Dutch National Ballet brings three pieces to Malvern Theatres next month, styled by the choreographer whose work has brought them great renown.

Hans van Manen is famous for popularising modern ballet as a fusion of classical and contemporary dance. He joins Canadian-born artistic director Wayne Eagling in staging the performances from Thursday, November 7, until Saturday, November 9.

During Eagling's long career as a principal with the Dutch Royal Ballet, many parts were specially written for him.

After establishing a second career as a choreographer, he stepped into the shoes of Rudi van Danzig in 1991 to lead the company, which was formed by Sonia Gaskell in 1961.

Resident in Amsterdam, the Dutch National Ballet is the largest in the Netherlands, with its 80 dancers presenting some 70 performances there each year.

For the first part of the programme at Malvern Theatres, they will perform Adagio Hammerklavier, set to Beethov-en's Piano Sonata No. 29 in B flat, in which three couples display the disharmony of relationships caused by unfulfilled desires.

Two other works, Portrait, with a single dancer, and Trois Gnoissiennes, with three dancers, feature an on-stage pianist and draw on the famous piano music by Eric Satie. The musician and his instrument form part of the choreography.

Duet is inspired by the passionate music of Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, and the ballet is unashamedly romantic in its portrait of the lovers.

The programme also includes the world premier of Before/After, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa to music by the contemporary Dutch composer, Marc van Roon, as well as the famous pas de deux from Ludwig Minkus's ballet Don Quixote.

Finally, a specially choreographed and traditional finale, involving the full company of 12 dancers will close the spectacular show.

Performances are at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £10 to £25, are available from the box office on 01684 892277 or www. malvern-theatres.co.uk.