Acrobatic skills a thrill to watch

Traces, Lowry, Salford

ENERGY and youth abound in one of the latest takes on the newly revamped circus scene made popular again by the world-wide hit Cirque du Soleil.

But while Cirque excels in big show stoppers and high gloss, circus group Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The 7 Fingers) bring a more personal touch and intimate acrobatic experience.

The four male and one female French-Canadian performers, whose gymnastic backgrounds are clearly apparent from the start of the show, all hail from Montreal’s National Circus School.

Having taken over from the five original members, who have toured “Traces” around the world for the past three years, the 20-somethings bring a burst of youthful vigour to a frantic and fascinating show.

Set in a makeshift bunker and awaiting an unknown catastrophe, the five aim to leave their own trace on the world through bursts of high-risk acrobatics, music, song, dance and speech.

The show-stealing physical feats never fail to impress with all five performers excelling in different skills

Traditional tumbles and leaps are given a new lease of life accompanied by modern soundtracks.