NDT 2 at the Lowry

To start off with a negative, I loathe audience participation. Especially if it includes clowns (thanks, Cirque du Soleil).

I'm firmly of the opinion that I'm in the audience for a reason. My fear of getting dragged onto the stage by the dancers of NDT2 during their third and final piece Minus 16 - never let it be said that I don't do my research - was such that I forsook my decent stalls seat (already further back than I would have chosen) and fled to the circle after the second interval. In the end the piece was great fun and the chosen 'lucky' 16 generally made a game effort - especially one lady who unexpectedly found herself with a featured role. Parts of Minus 16 were very witty and exciting and the dancing was certainly impressive, but I still cringed, even as I clapped along. It ended the show on a high of sorts, and with a third, huge ovation, but this 'novelty' number didn't offer the emotional satisfaction of the rest of the programme.

The rest of my review for NDT2 is full of nothing but superlatives. Opening piece Offspring, choreographed by Lukas Tumulak, was quite beautiful. Second piece, Gods and Dogs, choreographed by Jiri Kylian, was quite simply one of the most beautiful and powerful dance pieces I have seen so far by any company.

The young dancers of NDT2 - the company range from 17-23 - were superlative. Technically extraordinary, clearly expert technicians of classical ballet, they took the strength, speed, flexibility and grace of classical dance and transformed it to the highest imaginable levels of contemporary style. Some of the extensions, contortions, lifts and spins seemed almost physically impossible. Such strength, fluidity and speed was beautiful to watch and the choreography was challenging and innovative to match and push the boundaries. Good balance between male and female dancers too - and all incredibly talented.

I have never seen a more beautifully lit dance show, the use of lasers and atmospheric, subtly changing lighting was absolutely lovely - and the costumes, especially for Offspring, were also lovely. I don't think I've ever heard better sound at the Lowry either. NDT2's challenging soundtrack of classical music interspersed with other sounds and electronics was varied, exciting and wonderfully mixed - and loud and crystal clear.

I'd heard good things about NDT and NDT2 from other people, but now I've seen them myself I can only add my view that the Netherlands Dance Theater are at the very highest end of the contemporary dance spectrum.

I've not enjoyed a company of this type so much since Stephen Petronio - although I still love New English Contemporary Ballet - who have the potential to be as good, I think.

One of those transforming nights when you see things that make you want to keep seeing more and more dance... and not miss anything. God, I love dance.