UK dance inspired by Murakami novel

On their toes: Dancers of There We Have Been.

James Cousins and his dancers will take the stage at the Youth Theatre in Ha Noi on October 22 and IDECAF in HCM City on the other two days.

The two productions are touching and emotionally charged pieces of work with intense folding, wrapping, and balancing, according to a press release from the organisers, the British Council.

"We're delighted to be bringing the best of British contemporary dance to Vietnamese audiences," said Cherry Gough, Country Director for the British Council in Viet Nam.

A reviewer wrote on Londondance.com: "In low lighting, the female dancer was held constantly off the floor by her male partner. She was supported through all manner of poses from high leg extensions to seated embraces and wrapping her body around her companion.

"Always progressing fluidly but with varying speed of movement, the couple's relationship was open to infinite viewer interpretations, but the female's dependence on the male was unrelenting.

"The piece reached a haunting end as the female fragile figure hovered in the air, gesturing towards her partner and he walked away, finally free."

A graduate of the London Contemporary Dance School, James Cousins is widely considered to be one of the brightest new stars of contemporary dance in the UK, according to Cherry Gough, British Council Viet Nam's country director.

In 2012 he won the inaugural Matthew Bourne's New Adventures Choreography Award.

His troupe's visit to Viet Nam is a part of its East Asia tour.

Tickets costing VND200,000 and VND100,000 are available at the venues and also at the HCM City Ballet Symphony and Orchestra, 7 Lam Son Square, District 1.

In addition to performing, James Cousins will host a dance workshop in Ha Noi for choreographers and dance students on October 23 at the Military College of Culture and Arts.