REVIEW: Three dance companies, all with connections, in some way, to Swindon Dance, took to the Wyvern stage to celebrate the national dance agency's 21st birthday.

Sankalpan an Indian dance company, performed two works which could only be described as classical Indian dance excellence. This company of four dancers were technically strong.

They had an almost hypnotic effect, and complete control over every move. Male dancer Mavin Khoo was quite exceptional. Rob Townsend on saxophone just added to the perfection of this company.

Bedlam, the second company to perform left me slightly confused. This was a difficult piece of work, not always technically strong, but cleverly choreographed.

Deep and meaningful, Bedlam did a good job of a difficult piece of artistry, although not my cup of tea. This was dance at its most modern.

DansConnect (pictured) is Swindon Dance's performance led, dance education project, for 10-14 year olds in the Southern Region with professional dancers at the helm.

This was a most innovative idea, characters Venus and Stevey took us through a comic book story of bank raids, evil temptresses and Kung Fu fightin' villains.

This was an explosive piece of work, brought to the stage by a group of professional dancers, who were very strong in every aspect of theatre, dance, and acting ability.

Choreography by Banksy was in a class of it's own, covering classical, street, comedy, acrobatic and contemporary modern dance.

There was a story to follow, and at all times during this performance the dancers carried through the different aspects of their characters to the full. Marie McCluskey MBE, director of Swindon Dance, is to be congratulated on the last 21 years.

If DansConnect and association with these type of companies is what the future holds, Swindon Dance can only go from strength to strength.

Ros Hollands