INDEPENDENT Ballet Wales, performing at the Brewhouse, delivered a breathtaking interpretation of Welsh fable Lady of the Lake (Llyn y Fan Fach). A mystical lady leaves her lake to become a farmer’s wife, but imposes certain conditions which if not met, will mean she must return to her watery home.

The eight-strong corps of young dancers swept the audience through myth and magic, squeezing every ounce of dramatic tension out of the numerous heartfelt moments. Simple sets included projected backdrops of stunning Brecon Beacons scenery into which, thanks to the costume and spotlighting effects, the lady seemed to melt.

All of the dancers delivered confident interpretations of their characters and tackled the challenging choreography which combined contemporary and classical moves. Sadly, ragged synchronisation detracted at times, especially in the pas de trois which could have been spectacular for the male dancers.

Wistful and stirring, gently-spoken Welsh effectively interlinked some scenes. However it was the luscious, moody score, sometimes driving and insistent, sometimes dreamy and flowing, which captivated. Thomas Hewitt Jones is a previous BBC Young Composer of the Year, and I’ve never heard a more perfect contemporary classical score – the perfect complement to an innovative ballet.

By Julie O’Donnell.