Best dance shows of 2010

1. Dark Matters(pictured above)

This shadowy Sydney Festival highlight was a spellbinding combination of puppetry and lurking, dancing figures from Canada's Kidd Pivot - a hugely entertaining, eloquent examination of the strange, invisible forces of the universe.

2. of earth and sky

The double bill of new work from Bangarra Dance Theatre subtly and beautifully explored the connections between the spiritual and the physical, with the remarkable soundscapes of composer David Page setting the scene.

3. New Creations 2

Sydney Dance Company artistic director Rafael Bonachela teamed up with internationally renowned choreographer Emanuel Gat to present three diverse works: Amy Hollingsworth's gorgeous duet with a solo violinist, a sensual Latin number with a touch of Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and the exhilarating organised chaos of Gat's ‘Satisfying Musical Moments'.

4. Bare Soundz

Contemporary dance: no music necessary, just several extraordinary pairs of feet! Drawing on hip hop and jazz influences, tap guru Savion Glover and his crew of tappers stomped and stamped the boards at the Sydney Opera House, generating their own awesome beats.

5. Political Mother

Dance to make you think. Israel-born, UK-based choreographer Hofesh Shechter blended tribal grooved with hypnotic Middle Eastern tunes and social commentary.

Best of 2010 - complete list