DANCE

Mats Ek Retrospective: Giselle, August 23-25; Cullberg Ballet triple bill, August 27 and 28; Sleeping Beauty, August 31, September 1 and 2. All performances at the Playhouse Theatre

AS the dance programme on the EIF has grown in recent years, not only have there been opportunities for sheer breathless enjoyment, it has also been possible to gain an overview of the range of international dance on offer. Last year the work of Hans van Manen could finally be properly appreciated - this year it's Mats Ek.

In a career of more than 30 years, Ek has won acclaim and sparked controversy with his radical reworkings of the classics, along with shorter works of shattering emotional expression, often to 20th century music such as Prt and Grecki.

The Cullberg Ballet wil perform his bleak, yet beautiful versions of Giselle and Sleeping Beauty. A triple bill of She Was Black, Solo For Two and A Sort Of completes the retrospective, giving Scottish audiences just a taste of a huge catalogue of creativity.Artifact, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, August 16-18

AS if the scale of the Festival wasn't enough, Dutch National Ballet returns after their triumphant visit last year with Artifact, a work that is massive in every sense. Edinburgh's Festival Theatre is the only stage in the UK big enough for this soaring series of solos and huge ensemble dances in the irreverent, physical overdrive style of choreographer William Forsythe.

Gumboots, The Palladium, August 7-30 (not August 8, 16 and 23) A FEW years back. the Aussie Tap Dogs troupe worked up a sweat in The Palladium. Now a group of South Africans are ready with their own blast of streetwise urban energy.

These are polished performers, who show that an extravagant blend of dance and song can be an international language of exuberant enjoyment. Whatever the weather, you're guaranteed one steam spot in this corner of the Fringe l See pages 2-3 for full preview

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