Mackenzie Jacob
Artist
he/him
Joined Scottish Ballet: 2023
Training: Elmhurst Ballet School
Accolades: Level 6 Trinity Dance Diploma, Prize winner at the inaugural Grad Pro competition
Hard work always wins.
How would your colleagues describe you?
Driven, forward-thinking, and enjoyable to work with.
What career moment are you most proud of?
Performing in David Nixon CBE production of The Great Gatsby as a company member almost exactly a year after working with the company as a student. As a ballet, it has such an amazing storyline and everyone both on and off stage always has so much fun.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Hard work always wins.
What’s your favourite place in Scotland (and why)?
I love Edinburgh because of the beauty of its architecture and it always has a great atmosphere.
What’s your favourite ballet to watch (and why)?
My favourite ballet to watch has to be Don Quixote, I love the energy that is carried throughout the ballet and the fun had on stage.
What’s your dream role to perform (and why)?
I think my dream role to perform would have to be Romeo, as it is both technically challenging and you have to portray such a complex character.
What’s something people might not know about you?
Whilst auditioning for professional ballet companies I also had an offer to do a degree in Business and Marketing at Newcastle University.
What does ‘home’ mean to you?
The countryside and my dogs running riot.
What’s your hype song?
Million Dollar Bill by Beyond Chicago, Majestic and Alex Mills.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened on stage/in the studio?
I was performing as a duckling in a children’s ballet and I danced the whole first half with my shorts zipper all the way down, with my shirt flapping out.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Take each day as it comes don’t worry yourself with things that may never happen.
What’s your favourite book/movie (and why)?
My favourite film is Bridesmaids because it’s hilarious no matter how many times you watch it.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Definitely teleportation because I spend a lot of time travelling up and down the country.
Repertoire Highlights: the Russian dance in The Nutcracker, Elite Syncopations, David Bintley’s Four Scottish Dances