Fest Best: EIF dance

Song of the Earth (Scottish Ballet)

Born in Dunfermline in 1929, Kenneth MacMillan is categorically one of the greatest choreographers ever to have come out of Scotland. However, this former director of the Royal Ballet remains little known and under-performed in the country of his birth. So, EIF artistic director Jonathan Mills' decision to include this Scottish Ballet production of Song of the Earth in the 2011 programme is particularly welcome.

Drought and Rain (re-creation 2011)

In 1990, Ea Sola returned to Vietnam from France after fleeing from the country at the height of the war. For the next five years, she conducted research on Vietnam's traditional music and dance, as well as investigating the effects of the conflict on its citizens. The result of this process was Drought and Rain, first performed in 1995 and now re-created for the EIF.

Sriyah

Whether you're a newcomer to traditional Indian dance forms or a seasoned expert, the Nrityagram Dance Ensemble is sure to appeal. One of south India's most celebrated classical arts groups, the residents of this Bangalore-based dance village fuse several disciplines—including kathak, bharatanatyam and odissi—to create a modern take on traditional dance.