Dance review: Super Human, Zoo Southside, Edinburgh

Heroes, caped and otherwise, take flight in Lene Boel's show.

As an ensemble, the dancers of Denmark’s Next Zone Company are a powerfully tight unit.

Super Human, Zoo Southside, Edinburgh * * *

On a dimly lit state (perhaps too dimly) they stand bare-chested and bold, ready for the fight. Not an aggressive face-off, but a fight against their own limitations.

Inspired by super heroes, both fictional and everyday (the marathon runners, mountain climbers – people who push themselves to extremes), choreographer Lene Boel has charged her performers with an array of impressive flips and tricks.

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It’s clear both the dancers and Boel have talent and skill, but where Super Human falls down slightly is in theatricality. As the people at annual hip hop festival, Breakin’ Convention found, it’s not enough just to strut your stuff for an hour (or even 45 minutes, as it is here) – you need another layer to keep people hooked, and make them think and feel rather than just watch.

Until 17 August.

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