A sumptuous exploration of modern tango, Milonga (m¡longa) first premiered in London in 2013 and has now returned for its first UK tour. Choreographed and directed by highly acclaimed choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, who has stood as the Artistic Director of the Ballet of Flanders since 2015, this is a highly polished production: each routine is impeccable, sophisticated, and precise, yet always appears effortless and outstandingly graceful.

Originating in Buenos Aires, ‘milonga’ is the Spanish term for a tango event or a place in which tango is danced. It has gradually become synonymous with a particular type of fast-paced tango that is often of a more jovial, rustic spirit than the traditionally dramatic dance. Cherkaoui’s show depicts tango as a multifaceted dance of passion, lust, friendship, humour, darkness, and hope, unified by the tight form and essential trust and understanding between the two dancers; tango is, as he understands it, “the ultimate physical connection between two beings”.

Milonga‘s cast is comprised of ten Argentinian tango dancers and two contemporary dancers who perform in set couples for the majority of the 85-minute production. Each partnership works in perfect harmony, from their quick, tight footsteps to the more flamboyant spins, leaps, and jumps. With the men all in white dress shirts and women in black, embellished dresses and high, spindly heels (their ability to move in which at all being a commendable feat), each dancer emanates the glamour of the tango from head to foot.

Accompanied by a five-strong orchestra, the music of Milonga (composed by Szymon Brzóska and Olga Wojciechowska) is every bit as emotive as the dance; violin player Ahram Kim deserves particular mention for her formidable musical talent. As the dancers enact different moods or scenarios (from comedic sketches to portrayal of passionate romance), the music swells and falls, complementing each dance piece beautifully.

One of the most arresting elements of the show is the use of graphics and video in the set design, which is truly spectacular. Designed by Argentinian born Eugenio Szwarcer, the set evolves continuously, varying in light, depth, and colour. He makes excellent use of projected images and videos: dancers appear to glide through the backstreets of Buenos Aires, or in front of repeated images of themselves in different stages of the dance. The vibrant colour of these projections invokes the Latin American heritage of the dance, and courses through every aspect of Milonga.

Though there were narrative sequences within individual dances, in the absence of an overriding plot to tie the production together there were moments in which I felt a little lost. While the connecting theme of the beauty of tango is certainly very eloquently communicated, it would have benefitted from contextualisation – perhaps my tastes are unrefined, but, for me, a character to invest in wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Milonga is undoubtedly successful in showcasing and celebrating the tango as an exquisite form. With its slick routines, impressive music, and wonderfully creative staging, it is executed very well – and, ultimately, it’s a very grown up way to spend an evening.

Milonga played Sadler’s Wells till 24 May, and is touring across the UK until 17 June.