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Physical ills bow to artistic vigour when Touch Compass puts on a show, writes Sharu Delilkan.

Daniel King is looking forward to the challenges of Touch Compass's next show, Triple Bill. The 32-year-old dancer from Devonport, who's had left-sided hemiplegia since suffering a stroke at the age of two, says he's a little apprehensive about performing Slip, one of the dances.

"Getting in and out of the costumes is going to be tricky - but I love challenges," he says.

The new work choreographed by Carol Brown has the dancers writing their own pieces and dancing them. The work is physically taxing as it involves flying and falling.

Geometry and mathematics inspired another new piece, Six. Its choreographer, Jeremy Nelson plumbs the possibilities of the number.

Suzanne Cowan's Grotteschi, back by popular demand, completes Triple Bill.

Touch Compass's founder and artistic director, Catherine Chappell, says it's gratifying to see King develop as a dancer and a person; he's become far more vocal and confident than in his early days with the company a decade ago. She says he is one of the company's strongest male dancers, who can be relied upon  "to get the job done - he contributes to the work, however demanding.

"He can do things with his body that we just can't do. For example, he's able to do a full plie with one foot on the ground. That's why we try to follow him because his movement is unique. The last thing we want is to make him a clone of us."

Triple Bill, Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, Aug 18-21, 7pm (Sat matinee 2pm). Tickets: ph 357 3355 or see www.the-edge.co.nz