The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh watch dance performance

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The Queen was opening the new HQ of the Rambert Dance Company
Established in 1926, the outfit specialises in contemporary dance
Looked slightly baffled during a performance laid on during her visit
Wreathed in smiles as she arrived with the Duke of Edinburgh

PUBLISHED: 08:44 EST, 21 March 2014 | UPDATED: 09:15 EST, 21 March 2014

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With her love of horses and appreciation for tradition, the Queen is an unlikely fan of contemporary dance.

But that didn't stop her from making a visit to the Rambert Contemporary Dance Company's new South Bank home, although she did seem a little bemused during one of the performances.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen was wreathed in smiles as she made her way into the state-of-the-art premises ahead of the performance and given a tour of the new building by excited staff.

What's going on? The Queen is stony-faced as she watches one of the contemporary dancers perform

Nonplussed: The Queen looks less than impressed with the contemporary dance performance

Resplendent in a bright pink coat which she teamed with a matching dress and hat, the monarch appeared to be on good form as she greeted onlookers.

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Despite recent bouts of ill-health, the Duke of Edinburgh looked in fine fettle and was dapper in a navy suit that complemented the Queen's cheerful ensemble.

Once inside, the couple were treated to a performance from some of the dancers currently on the Rambert's books, although not everything appeared to be to the Queen's liking.

But all that changed when she was introduced to some of the talent at the company, beaming and clearly enjoying the conversation as she greeted dancers who had waited in line to meet her.

One of the UK's oldest dance outfits, The Rambert Contemporary Dance Company was founded in 1926 by Polish émigré Marie Rambert who hoped to pioneer contemporary choreography and support aspiring dancers.

Baffled: The Queen looks on while the Duke suppresses a smile during the modern dance performance

Intrigued? Her Majesty looks on as some of the dancers at the company go through their routine

Conversation: The Queen seemed to be enjoying her chat with this pair of beaming contemporary dancers

Inspection: The Queen was given a tour of the Rambert's state-of-the-art new HQ on London's South Bank

Offering a combination of classic and modern routines, it is the only British dance company to tour with an orchestra and is famous for its daring routines set to live music.

The Queen's visit to the contemporary dance company is her second musical engagement this week, with the other being the presentation of the Queen's Medal for Music during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

This year's winner of the prestigious award was opera star, Sir Thomas Allen, who enjoyed a lengthy career as a baritone, beginning with a 1971 performance at the Royal Opera House, before a more recent stint as a director.

Sir Thomas, who is thought to have inspired the musical Billy Elliot, is the ninth winner of the award, which in previous years, has recognised such luminaries as Welsh singer Bryn Terfel and soprano Dame Emma Kirkby.

All smiles: The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh seemed to be in fine fettle as they arrived at the Rambert

Greeting: The royal couple were greeted by an honour guard as they arrived at the dance company's HQ

Pleased: The Queen left clutching a bouquet filled with pink and red flowers that complemented her ensemble

Pleased: The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh smiled and waved at well-wishers as they were driven away

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Amos Spitalhatch, Hamilton, New Zealand, 21 hours ago

Philip is not 'suppressing' a smile - he's stifling a yawn!

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Nurse I think my, Head Hurts, United Kingdom, 22 hours ago

Cerise ??? Cor blimey - I cud 'av sworn it was pink!!

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Richard M, Stockholm-Expat, 22 hours ago

Please don't forget the Queen is 87 and her husband 92, and it must be hard to constantly be alert. The Queen doesn't get retirement, like everyone else and has worked as the country's monarch for 62 years, so give her some slack to not always having to be smiling every minute of the day!

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judyandthegang, Lausanne, 22 hours ago

would love to know what Prince Philip's comments were

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someone, paris, France, 23 hours ago

Love the Queen she just doesn't hide her feelings . What a heap of carp.

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RobertBurns, Aberdeen, 23 hours ago

The Duke is thinking what most men are thinking.......

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Karl09, Leeds, United Kingdom, 23 hours ago

Still looking great Yr Madge. Patience of a saint to boot ;)

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Eruditus, Manila, 23 hours ago

When you look at the audience they have all been trotted out to fulfill an obligation. It is a meaningless farce.

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Budgie, Blyth, 23 hours ago

In the same picture. If she looks 'non-plussed', he looks positively dumbfounded.

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Sukie L, Shropshire, 1 day ago

How lovely to see these two out together enjoying a function, and spending some precious alone time to and from their home to the place. i be thats something that they dont get to do very often these days. Her Maj has so many negagements to fulfil, not just in the UK but also abroad, even though the four children do try to carry out more overseas visits to free the queen from traveling through other time zones. Its no hardship for them really, is it. I am still surprised that the D of E is with us, having had a couple of hairy years hakthwise, but he still maintains his upright manly stance, and walks, not shuffling, just a pace or two behind his wife of 60 years. I think theyre a great example to our younger generation, of stability and strength and that we can do anything we want to, with the person whom we love the most by our side. Very uplifting story.