Being performed at Sadler’s Wells Theatre tonight was Rian, the coming together of Irish choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan and musician Liam Ó Maonlaí with eight dancers from around the world to form a hybrid of music styles with emotionally expressive contemporary dance. The music is Irish folk music, but at times you almost get the sense that it also draws in exotic far-away influences from the middle east.

The cast is adorned in 1950s style clothes, which evokes something of a forgotten rustic past. The musicians take their turns in performing solo, then rejoin the others playing together; musicians take part in dance too and dancers also play their part with instruments. Sometimes songs are sung in Gaelic and others in English, and at times an almost mystic middle-eastern sound comes from Liam Ó Maonlaím although I’m quite sure the words are Gaelic.

The choreography along with the music provides for uplifting and infectious energy felt by all in the audience. I’m certain this performance would be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.