Following last year's successful visit to the Alhambra by the Nederlands Dans Theater 2, which attracted audiences from around the region, this spring sees a production by parent company, the world-renowned Nederlands Dans Theater 1.

Since it was founded in 1959 NDT1 has been regarded as one of the world's leading dance companies, rewriting the rulebook of aspirations, artistry and sheer prowess in modern dancemaking.

The company constantly sets itself new challenges, the result being a repertoire that's a treasure trove of bold, intelligent, stunning dance.

Sometimes it's dramatic, sometimes it's quirky or downright mischievous, sometimes it's just exquisite movement pure and simple - a showcase for virtuoso dancers at the top of their game.

NDT1 comes to the Alhambra with a diverse, inspiring programme. The first of two pieces is Silent Screen, devised by husband-and-wife team Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon.

Set to the abstract but emotional music of Philip Glass, the piece begins with a fascinating duet against the background of a solitary man vanishing into the sea.

When the dancers disengage themselves from the images, they display harmony and happiness. Then the sea transforms into a forest and the atmosphere changes. Despite its high degree of technicality, the ballet refers to great themes of life and has a profound emotional overtone.

The evening is completed with Jir Kylián's Toss of a Dice.

Named after a poem by French poet Mallarmé, the dance involves 12 dancers entering the stage one by one, who twist and turn themselves into inventive shapes against a score by Dirk Haubrich.

Central on the scene is a sculpture with razor-sharp points by Japanese artist Susumu Shingu.

The dancers' movements are equally sharp and pointed, creating a smart relationship between dance and sculpture.

When the music swells, there's a drastic change of atmosphere.

All dancers are eliminated by the 'life-threatening' sculpture, except for a single female dancer, who puts up a fight.

The show comes to the Alhambra as part of the Dance Consortium, made up of 19 largescale UK venues.

This spring tour is made possible with a grant from Arts Council England. The Consortium's website is supported with a grant from the Scottish Arts Council. For more information visit WorldWide DanceUK. com Nederlands Dans Theater 1 runs at the Alhambra on April 15 and 16. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.