Dance Theatre of Harlem - programme 2
By Jann Parry for The Observer

Dance Theatre of Harlem ended its visit to London and Manchester with a programme that left audiences longing for it to come back soon. The first two pieces, South African Suite and Dougla, are close to revue - pure entertainment in gorgeous costumes. But in Robert Garland, a former dancer with the company, DTH's director Arthur Mitchell has found a choreographer of stature.

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James Brown steps out
By John Percival for The Independent

Robert Garland's piece Return, an inspired dance interpretation of terrific recordings by James Brown and Aretha Franklin, is one of the liveliest and most enjoyable new ballets to reach London in quite a time. It forms the climax of the Harlem Dance Theatre's second programme for the British tour.

What a pleasure it is to be introduced to a gifted new choreographer. Like Garland's New Bach on opening night, Return shows the dancers rewardingly in a mixture of classical style and modern twists, but this time with a different balance.

In Brown's song "Super Bad" Donald Williams delivers a perfect smiling imitation of a hip-swinging rock star, going straight into that from an impressive series of showpiece pirouettes; others among the men mingle ballet steps and breakdance virtuosity.

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