Shobana Jeyasingh's Counterpoint, Somerset House

Choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh's Counterpoint became an instant hit when it was first performed in the Courtyard at Somerset House in 2010; so, it's great to be able to report that it will return as part of this year's free Summer in the Courtyard seasonal festival.

Counterpoint is a 10-minute dance piece for 22 dancers created specifically around the 55 fountains of the Courtyard at Somerset House. The fountains are famous for their capricious eruptions and gentle whisperings; and their own dance has proved inspirational to Jeyasingh, one of the most interesting and inquisitive choreographers working today.

No stranger to site-specific work, Jeyasingh has presented striking pieces in a variety of unexpected settings. Too Mortal, for example, was created in 2012 specifically to be shown in within historic churches; while Contagion, her 2018 piece marking the centenary of the devastating Spanish flu, was shown in the British Library.

Counterpoint is an altogether lighter piece, in keeping with its physical setting and the season. Jeyasingh's choreography is fluid and weaves in and around the incessant rise and fall of the fountains. In doing so, it also contrasts the physicality of her dancers with the formal lines of the neo-classical buildings around the courtyard.

Jeyasingh has worked with regular collaborators Ursula Bombshell, who has created the vivid costumes that stand out against the white of the water, and sound artist Cassiel, whose pulsating score animates the work.

Counterpoint will have a number of performances over the weekend of 19/20 August.