Danza Contemporánea de Cuba has been recognised as one of the world’s most groundbreaking modern dance companies for more than half a decade.

Renowned for its dancers’ fluidity, fire and sheer physical artistry, the company has devised a new language of dance that has been described as a pungent blend of Afro-Caribbean expression, classical European ballet and American modernism.

Now it’s Brisbane’s turn to experience the passion and revolutionary brilliance of Danza Contemporánea de Cuba, through two ninety-minute programmes, each featuring three dance works.

Demo-N/Crazy is the spectacular opening work. This physically and emotionally intense, free and fevered exploration of the human psyche comes from legendary choreographer Rafael Bonachela.

The second work is choreographer Kenneth Kvamström’s clever contemporary interpretation of Carmen, featuring Bizet’s beautiful music and a selection from Russian composer Rodion Schedrin.

The third work is the extravagant Folia.  Inspiration for this contemporary work by choreographer Jan Linkens is drawn from carnival rhythms and the concept of Folia – the most ancient of musical themes or melodies - in different cultures.

Both programmes finish with the cutting edge Mambo 3XXI from choreographer George Céspedes.  With a soundtrack combining the music of Cuban bandleader and composer Perez Prado with seventies disco, techno, trip-hop and ambient, Mambo 3XXI adds a flourish of 21st century street attitude to the best of Cuban dance.

For raw, sweaty exuberance and contemporary dance like no other, don’t miss out on Danza Contemporánea de Cuba during Brisbane Festival 2010.