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Mary, Queen of Scots

28 May – 7 Jun 2026
Emergence

10 Sep – 3 Oct 2026
Cinders!

11 Dec 2026 – 30 Jan 2027

Kayla-Maree Tarantolo

Soloist

A young woman with long, wavy blonde hair and light skin smiles at the camera. She is wearing a light-colored, thin-strapped top and subtle earrings, standing against a plain, light background.

Joined Scottish Ballet:  2016

Training: Dutch National Ballet Academy

Looking up to all the professional ballerinas every day and being mesmerised by their every step definitely made me realise I wanted to become a professional too.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Everything happens for a reason

What’s your favourite ballet to perform (and why)?
I love performing The Crucible. You can really give everything and more in terms of choreography and acting. It’s a ballet that each time I perform it I can keep expanding on it and my characterisation towards the roles played in it. This ballet makes me feel like when the curtain comes down that I’ve left it all out on the stage and I am always left feeling very fulfilled.

What’s your dream role to perform?
My dream role would be able to perform The Statement by Crystal Pite.

What do you like to do on your days off?
I love to relax at home or maybe go out for a coffee or brunch with my boyfriend.

What makes you smile?
The beach. A dip in the ocean instantly puts a smile on my face.

Repertoire Highlights: Jester in Mary Queen of Scots, Abigail in The Crucible and Schachmatt by Cayetano Soto

‘And what of the green-clad jester figure (a sprightly and witty Kayla-Maree Tarantolo), who flits in and out, supplying some of the genuinely comic moments? She it is who solemnly writes “James” on the white balloon to which Mary has just given birth. Puck, Ariel and a stray from Cinderella all at once, she/he/they are a delight.’
Mary, Queen of Scots, Bachtrack, August 2025

‘Portraying the complex psychology of Abigail is no simple matter, but Kayla-Maree Tarantolo carries the role with believability and subtle elegance.’
The Crucible, Broadway Baby, April 2025

‘A stand out performance is done by Kayla-Maree Tarantolo as Abigail Williams. She commands every moment she is on stage. Whether performing a solo, pas de deux, or a group sequence, she is there embodying the cruel natured Abigail with every inch of her being. We can feel her character seeth and plot through every artfully course movement.’
The Crucible, A Young(ish) Review, May 2025

‘Kayla-Maree Tarantolo is deliciously effervescent as Lexi’
The Snow Queen, The Herald, December 2019

‘The humour is brought by Kayla-Maree Tarantolo and Grace Horler, as Cinderella’s stepsisters. Their dancing was impressive and powerful and the laughter they drew from the audience filled the theatre’
Cinderella, Press & Journal, January 2019

‘Often threatening to steal the show. Tarantolo in particular has the timing of a born comic. ’
Cinderella, All Edinburgh Theatre, December 2018

Gallery

A dancer wearing a neon green outfit sits on the floor, holding one leg extended and balancing on the other, with one arm raised. A green cone-shaped hat is on the floor nearby, against a dark blue background.
A performer in a bright green costume and pointy hat stands on stage, balancing on one foot with the other leg extended high in the air, against a dark background.
A dancer in a bright green costume and pointed hat balances on one leg with the other leg extended high behind her on a dark stage.
Five ballet dancers pose gracefully on stage, each lifting one arm overhead. They wear leotards, tights, and ballet shoes. The colourful, abstract background features a large ladder and painted sky elements.

L to R Soloist Kayla-Maree Tarantolo, First Artist Rishan Benjamin and First Artist Alice Kawalek. Photo by Andy Ross
A woman in a red jacket and floral dress dances gracefully with a man in suspenders and a striped shirt on a foggy stage, with painted wagons and a full moon in the background.
Two women perform on stage in colorful costumes; one stands holding out her hand while the other, dressed in a red and patterned outfit with a headscarf, gestures dramatically and leans forward. A theatrical set is visible behind them.
Ballet dancers perform a duet on stage, surrounded by actors in vintage winter clothing. The female dancer balances on one leg, extending the other high, while the male dancer supports her. Onlookers watch in admiration.
A group of performers in colorful costumes and makeup stands on stage, smiling and posing together. Two clowns are at the center, surrounded by others in vintage-style clothing, under dramatic stage lighting.
A dancer in a blue top and black shorts performs in a studio, leaning backward with arms bent, while four people seated in the background observe her movement.
A woman in a blue tank top and brown socks lies on the floor of a dance studio, knees bent to her chest, feet up, and arms raised, striking a creative pose. Large windows and ballet barres are in the background.
A ballet dancer in a blue leotard and black leggings poses gracefully in a dance studio with light walls, wooden barres, and bright natural lighting.
A ballet dancer in a studio holds an orange fan gracefully. She's wearing a light blue top and dark trousers. Another dancer is visible in the background. The focus is on their elegant pose against a neutral backdrop.
A dancer performs a high kick in a dimly lit studio with dramatic lighting and shadows. The setting has a rustic and industrial feel. She looks like she is screaming in distress.
A woman in a gray dress stands in an industrial setting, striking a dramatic pose with raised arms and bent knees. Large machinery and metal pipes are visible in the background, illuminated by bright overhead light.
Kayla leans on Javier's back and splays her legs in a curved position behind their backs
Kayla stands with one bent leg raised and her arms stretched to the side, another dancer squats and wraps arms around her standing leg
A female dancer in a gold costume walks down a corridor smiling
Kayla-Maree kicks her leg up beside her head and stretches an arm overhead
Constant and Kayla-Maree put their arms around one another and shine torches at something out of shot
Gretel holds up a hand while Hansel smiles at her, hugging a teddy bear
Two chinese dancers pose together with fans

Alice Kawalek and Kayla Maree Tarantolo in 'Chinese' dance. N.B depicting the 2021 choreography. Photo credit Andy Ross
One of the ugly stepsisters lies on top of the other one who makes a pained face