THE National Dance Company (NDC) Wales comes to Newtown’s Hafren theatre next Thursday, March 21, with a triple bill of dances that marks a new phase in the company’s artistic leadership.

Under the umbrella title of ‘Awakening’, the show will present ‘Afterimage’, ‘Revellers’ Mass’ and ‘Tundra’,

The three dances will also be staged at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on April 24; and at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury on May 7.

The company’s new era is marked by the appointment of Fearghus O Conchuir as their new artistic director who says the variety of work being showcased locally in their spring tour comprise the affecting magic of appearance and disappearance in Brazilian choreographer Fernand Melo’s ‘Afterimage’, the intricate and indulgent world of ‘Revellers’ Mass’, a new work about the sumptuous world of ritual by resident choreographer Caroline Finn; and the sleek precision of Marcos Morau’s award-winning ‘Tundra’ which tears pages from the history books on Russian folk dance, the USSR and revolution.

“This variety of work shows the versatility of the company, and its ability to offer audiences diverse perspectives on the world.

“These are beautiful works that invite us to see something different and we’re looking forward to sharing that beautiful difference with audiences that come to see the work and with people who join in our related workshops and creative engagement activities.

“All our work of preparation and creation only makes sense when we meet the audiences and participants of Wales and the rest of the UK, which is why this tour is so important to us,” said Fearghus.

Company members will also be taking part in Discover Dance sessions with local schools at Newtown on Friday, March 22, and at Shrewsbury on May 7.

Last year more than 6,000 people engaged in the company’s community-based performances and workshops around the country and there were also performances in Austria and Germany.

For ticket availability at Newtown call 01686 614555, for the show at Aberystwyth call 01970 623232, and for the show at Shrewsbury call 01743 281281.