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Bringing Consent to Ballet, One Intimacy Workshop at a Time

Scottish Ballet was featured in a full-page article in The New York Times by dance writer Laura Cappelle. 

Following the premiere of our production, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s The Scandal at Mayerling in Glasgow on 13 April 2022, Scottish Ballet was featured in a full-page article in The New York Times by dance writer Laura Cappelle.

The article, which focuses on the intimacy coaching sessions that we held with RC Annie ahead of this production, highlights the importance of ensuring a safe environment for dancers to voice their concerns around physical and emotional well-being.

As the first ballet company in the UK (and one of the first in the world) to have hosted such coaching sessions, Scottish Ballet Artistic Director/CEO, Christopher Hampson says:

 

I still don’t feel like the industry has accepted responsibility for the holistic challenge that it’s produced. But dancers are increasingly eager to shake things up.

Christopher Hampson

Principal Bethany Kingsley-Garner’s thoughts on returning to her first rehearsals after maternity leave are featured in the article too. 

Read the full article on The New York Times website.

A couple dancing together. Ryoichi grips Bethany tightly as she turns her face away from him.

Guest Principal Ryoichi Hirano with Principal Bethany Kingsley Garner in rehearsals for The Scandal at Mayerling

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