THERE was a time when the only chance you had to see aerial gymnastics was during the high wire or trapeze acts at a circus while cutting edge modern dance was consigned to street performers.

But all that changed with the evolution of heart-stopping theatrical shows that combine heart-in-your-mouth tension with explosive music and dance.

Les 7 Doigts de la Main hugely acclaimed production Traces is making a whistle-stop visit to Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday.

Performed by five young French-Canadian artists who demonstrate startling acrobatic brilliance, Traces features dazzling displays of gravity-defying skill.

Whether balancing casually on each other's heads, tumbling through hoops or leaping spectacularly up giant poles without using their hands, the cast of four men and one woman soar through the show.

More than just a series of tricks however, Traces pioneers a new brand of circus with a striking human element.

Set in a makeshift bunker, five characters hide from an impending disaster outside the door. Using creation as their only antidote to the destruction outside, the cast use every mode of expression available to them, hoping to put down a last mark and leave their traces as best they can.

Video, narration and music combine to show snippets of the performers' real lives, gradually drawing the audience into their stories, as seemingly impossible acts take on a startlingly human nature.

Set to a pumping soundtrack ranging from rock 'n' roll to blues to hip hop, Traces mixes raw, classic acrobatics with theatre, skateboarding, street and contemporary dance styles.

Traces runs from Monday to Wednesday (Feb 8-10). For tickets call the box office 0844 871 7652 or go online www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes