Ballet Freedom burst through the boundaries of traditional ballet, with a sensual and surprising contemporary piece that’s guaranteed to keep audiences on their toes. In the midst of ongoing war in their homeland, the famous dance company have travelled from Kyiv to perform in Edinburgh, with male cast members having to secure special permission from Ukraine’s minister of culture to be here.

An adaptation of their previous show, Boudoir, the performance portrays a group of suave and suited individuals (perhaps cabaret dancers). We view the show as a series of disconnected interactions between the characters; from lustful duets with passed-out damsels to an erotic sequence featuring balloons, the audience never quite know where they stand. The same could be said about the show’s choreography; at times, we are entranced by the dancers’ contagious passion, then there are moments when we’re almost underwhelmed. But free from the rigidity of classical ballet, the company create a mostly entertaining evening of sexual slapstick comedy. 

Pleasance At EICC, 14–28 August, 9pm; 12 & 13 August, 4pm.