The Churchill's Joanne Beaney enjoys the work of the Stephen Petronio Company ahead of its Bromley date

American choreographer Stephen Petronio is known for beautiful dance that melds movement and form with the diverse worlds of popular culture, rock music and fashion, and at London’s Southbank Centre on October 8, he did not disappoint.

A triple bill of works were on offer, kicked off by Beauty and the Brut. The scenario was a pick-up on the beach and set to music by New York electro-pop duo, Fischerspooner. The soundtrack was intercut with sampled speech, which like the choreography kept layering and looping back on itself. The eight dancers in minimalist costumes delivered probing kicks and twists and the men and women circled and interweaved, but maintained an emotional distance.

Bloom, which is one of the pieces to be performed when the company comes to Bromley, was set to a commissioned Rufus Wainwright score and complemented by a local children’s choir performing live. With demanding loops and whirls and an amazing solo, the result was a harmonious and ethereal performance.

This is The Story of a Girl in a World explored the blurred concept of gender, with a soundtrack combining the seductive voice of Antony Hegarty (from Antony and The Johnsons) with the music of Lou Reed and Nico Muhly. At some points this powerful piece verged on physical theatre and was in contrast to the more relaxed and streamlined performances earlier in the evening.

Stephen Petronio Company is performing Bud Suite, Bloom and Lareigne at The Churchill, Bromley on November 1 and will be joined by a choir from Langley Park School for Girls, Beckenham.