A CHANCE to see a cutting edge dance performance by a rising star is taking place at Colchester Arts Centre next week.

Antonia Grove, who has been described as a modern dance goddess, is bringing her solo show to town on May 16.

Audiences will be getting value for money as she takes on a number of different characters as part of the performance.

In the show, Small Talk, Antonia takes on the persona of real-life American actresses.

Interviews given by the actresses are fed to her through earphones and, dressed up as her alter egos, Antonia jumps between their celebrity chatter and her own personal commentary – creating a feeling of unreality.

The performance has been choreographed and directed for the dancer by celebrated artist Wendy Houstoun who has an impressive track record of her own work and has toured national and internationally.

The show is the first that Wendy has ever created specifically for another performer, but it still promises to be enriched with her trademark ability to make humourous observations on contemporary culture.

In a bid to acheive this, Small Talk uses singing, conversation, dance and fast talking movement to get its point across. Antonia, who comes from Reading and now lives in Brighton, has twice been nominated for the Critics Circle National Dance Awards and for a Time Out Live Award.

She founded the award-winning company Probe in 2004.

With Wendy having a pretty distinguished career herself, modern dance and alternative performance enthusiasts are getting the chance to see what both artists have created together.