THE Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet will be taking to the stage at Wales Millennium Centre on October 8 and 9, as part of their first national British tour featuring one of Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’ dancers, Ebony Williams.

Founded in 2003, New York based Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet has distinguished itself with its exceptionally talented dancers and its emphasis on working with the world’s most sought-after choreographers. Cedar Lake has excelled with its mission to integrate ballet with contemporary and popular dance forms.

Ebony Williams has been a member of Cedar Lake company since 2005, having trained with the Boston Ballet from a young age. Being such a versatile dancer, Ebony has also worked with artists such as Rihanna, Fergie and Beyoncé.

She will perform with the company, which presents a characteristically innovative triple bill of works including two UK premieres.

Indigo Rose, created by acclaimed Czech choreographer Jifi’ Kylián opens the programme with a virtuosic showcase for the company’s talented ensemble. The work is a fastpaced and frenetic assemblage of duets, trios and quartets.

Spiked with moments of humor, the dance is set against a driving score featuring works by the baroque masters Bach and Couperin juxtaposed with 20th century American composer John Cage’s prepared piano works.

This is then followed by the UK premiere of Ten Duets on a Theme of Rescue, from Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite commissioned by Cedar Lake, who displays her deeply evocative and compelling aesthetic.

The bill is completed by Norwegian choreographer Jo Strømgren’s spirited ensemble piece, Necessity, Again, the second UK premiere of the evening and another Cedar Lake commissioned work. At once playful and subconsciously sinister, the piece is an exploration of a pure expression of emotion, without need for narrative or reason, set against a selection of songs by Charles Aznavour.

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet will be at Wales Millennium Centre on the 8 and 9 October. Tickets range from £12 - £27. There will be a free post-show Q&A session on the 8 October. Age guidance: 12+. For further information visit www.wmc.org.uk.