Powerful Surge electrifies

REVIEW: Surge performed by the National Dance Company Wales at The Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

National Dance Company Wales have debuted their new programme Surge (Gwefr), in Cardiff this month (September), featuring three unique pieces of dance from three very different choreographers. It shares the best of Welsh choreography with the world, as well as bringing some of the most celebrated choreographers in the world to Wales.

"Infinity Duet’ is a unique collaboration between choreographer Faye Tan and artist Cecile Johnson Soliz, with music by Cardiff based sound artist Richard McReynolds. 

First performed as part of NDC Wales’ Shorts in early 2025, the stage is dominated by a large, swinging sculpture made by Johnson Soliz. The two dancers provided a clean and crisp performance, effortlessly mirroring each other, whilst incorporating the swing throughout as they moved in time with, around and beneath it.

Following huge success as part of the Pulse tour in 2023, Marcos Morau’s ‘Waltz’ - a "dystopian exploration of chaos, order and control" - features again.

The dancers certainly delivered on that description, with a diverse and fast-paced performance veering from an ensemble section reminiscent of synchronised swimming, to individual, acrobatic break out pieces and back again to a tightly choreographed "Chicago-esque" grouping.

The final piece in the Surge programme is a brand new production by Welsh choreographer, Osian Meilir called ‘Mabon’. Inspired by Welsh Myth and stories of the Mabinogion, it draws on their background of folk and contemporary to bring a new interpretation of these Welsh folklore characters. 

As well as evoking memories of folk dancing, I saw elements of native American and African celebration. The performance was perhaps the more traditional and balletic of the three, combining strong co-ordinated and individual pieces to provide an exciting spectacle.

Tonight's press night (Thursday 18 September) offered three stunning performances, stark and memorable in their differences - from their staging and costume, to the diverse choreography and musical accompaniments. The show ended with a standing ovation.

Surge runs until Friday 19 September at The Sherman Theatre. Further dates follow in Newport, Bangor, Mold, Aberystwyth, London and Ipswich until November 2025, before the tour moves to Germany in 2026. For further information, visit www.ndcwales.co.uk 

Review by Lynne Schofield

Photos by Kirsten McTernan

We received free tickets for this performance in exchange for an honest review