Tradition meets techno

Brenda Edwards, a dynamic figure in contemporary dance, has put together a week of African, Caribbean and black British dance. Her first programme, 1 + 1, displays the extremes of the spectrum.

Julie Dossavi, a Benin-born, French-based choreographer (with Gerard Gourdot) and dancer, produces in Go one of the most compelling, charismatic performances on display anywhere. Go begins slowly, to traditional African pipes. Dossavi is starkly silhouetted against a burning orange backdrop, a shadow in profile. Gradually she moves across the stage, using extraordinary extensions of the hands and neck in ritualised, repetitive gestures. The tempos alter and from African tradition we move to the techno-beat of modern urban life. Dossavi moves with it, alternating between a trance-like state of pure movement, joy in the dance, glee in performance, and the anxiety and isolation of modern life.

Not only a strong and powerful dancer, Dossavi's performance is enhanced by her remarkable looks: shaven head, long, strong torso, beautiful legs, and a wonderful face: in repose not expressive, although always impressive. When she wants to convey emotion, the mask breaks apart and becomes a shifting curtain on which every emotion is clearly written.

The only weak part of Go is the accompanying video, which contains the standard conceptual art vocabulary: empty streets and night-time car parks equal alienation, flashing neon, street signs, starkly lit windows our urban turmoil. This is cheap and easy, and Julie Dossavi is anything but. She is what is becoming a great rarity, a performer who enjoys performing: she flirts with the audience, reaches out through the fourth wall to take us into her world. With her charm, style and wit, we follow her willingly.

After this, Tippa, the Jamaican ragga dancer, is a let-down. His skill in a club setting would be impressive - Tippa is both highly talented and an extremely charming personality - but the gap between clubbing and performing in a theatre is a great gulf, and not one that he can comfortably span.

Hip: 1+1 is showing at The Place, WC1 until 27 November. Box office: 7387 0031.

HIP: 1 + 1 - Julie Dossavi & Tippa