Jan Martens, Rule of Three, Lilian Baylis Studio

Jan Martens has been devising distinctive contemporary dance since 2010. His growing portfolio of work is inspired by his conviction that any body can communicate, and every body has a story to tell.

Switched-on London dance fans might recall Martens as an emerging choreographer in Dance Umbrella 2013 at The Place; he also presented work last summer at Greenwich Dance. This season’s visit to the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells will introduce his artistic approach to a wider audience.

Rather than attempting to create a unique movement style to impress viewers, Martens places the human being at the centre of his productions. He relocates existing ways of moving to new contexts, tapping into the physical and emotional potential harnessed within individual dancers.

Rule of Three is Martens’ first foray into using live music. It features American drummer NAH performing with three dancers: Steven Michel, Julien Josse and Courtney Robertson.

NAH mixes both live and programmed drums with found sounds and manipulated samples to give each of the vignettes Martens’ trio of dancers offers up a unique vibe.

With Rule of Three, Martens aims to recreate the atmosphere of a nightclub combined with the sense of getting lost in the pages of a book.

Indeed, as a performance piece, it falls somewhere between a concert and a collection of short stories. So, passages of hardcore music and hyperactive movement intertwine with revealing moments of stillness and reflection.

Martens is not averse to the odd surprise or two in his work and has a reputation for being able to totally transport his audiences. Your best bet is probably to expect the unexpected!

Free post-show talk on Thursday 19 October