SCOTTISH Ballet unleashed a fiery torrent of intensity at last night's premiere of their Spring 2009 programme.

Pulsating music, tempestuous relationships and a blazing sofa combined to tell two stories of love and betrayal.

Artistic director Ashley Page paired old with new for the double bill of Carmen and Cheating, Lying, Stealing.

In Carmen, the flashing eyes of Martina Forioso as the seductive Spanish cigarette girl added heat to her character's volatile love affair with Don Jose (Daniel Davidson) whose heart she spurned for the masculinity of the Toreador (William Smith).

The female characters in Cheating, Lying, Stealing - first performed by the company in 2003 - also took the lead as Claire Robertson's angular femme fatale recoiled to the touch of Erik Cavallari.

Astounding balance, break-dance and acrobat-ics made this a dance cauldron that bubbled over with spectacle.