‘A counterbalanced, hinged structure or device that operates on the principle of a seesaw, where one end rises as the other lowers.’ That’s the dictionary definition of a bascule, the circus equipment that brings this show to a thrilling climax. But Flemish-Belgian circus and dance company Circumstances had earned their rave review before it even appeared. Prior to that moment, four acrobat dancers have been weaving in and out of each other’s paths, a balletic maze in constant motion, where doors slam, thighs are lifted upwards like poker-straight rods, torsos repel and attract each other like magnets.

Their ribboning choreography (by artistic director Piet Van Dycke) is a graceful blur of contemporary dance shapes and circus virtuosity, where bodies oscillate or sway like metronomes. Exit ticks like a Swiss watch, the tight precision never faltering as their outfits are speed-swapped (imperceptibly at first). Dutch producer Bastian Benjamin’s bassy soundtrack gets faster and the acro-dance stunts get increasingly impressive. What makes their modern circus stand out is the elegance with which they execute their tumbles, cartwheels and mid-air arcs, with trust and telepathy playing big parts too.

Exit, Zoo Southside, until 30 August, 10.30am; picture: Jona Harnischmacher.

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