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The Snow Queen

3 – 31 Jan 2026
Wee Nutcracker

12 – 24 Dec 2025
Mary, Queen of Scots

5 Mar – 7 Jun 2026
Starstruck

16 Apr – 9 May 2026
Emergence

10 Sep – 3 Oct 2026
A ballerina in a white tutu performs a high split leap on a purple-lit stage, with star-like lights and tall, abstract set pieces resembling coral or underwater plants in the background.

Celebrating Homegrown Talent

Scottish Ballet steps into its winter season with more homegrown dancers than ever, as the dazzling, much-loved production of The Snow Queen returns to stages across Scotland.

When the curtain rises on Scottish Ballet’s glittering winter production of The Snow Queen, audiences will see more homegrown talent than ever before. Six dancers from Scotland — each nurtured through the Scottish Ballet Associates programme — now take their place in the national company, bringing local roots to an international stage.

A group of ballet dancers in rehearsal attire watch as one male dancer leaps gracefully with arms raised in front of them in a spacious studio with a large green decorative cart in the background.

First Artist and former Scottish Ballet Associate Harvey Littlefield in rehearsals for The Snow Queen. Credit Mihaela Bodlovic

This milestone comes as the company embarks on its annual winter tour, a mammoth season that will see The Snow Queen’s magic sparkle across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness. The production, choreographed by Artistic Director Christopher Hampson and designed by Lez Brotherston, is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale — the same story that later inspired Frozen. With Rimsky-Korsakov’s soaring score performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, it promises a feast of dance, music, and magic for all ages.

A smiling ballerina in a sparkling silver costume and crystal-like crown stands on stage, with other performers in similar costumes and dramatic lighting in the background.

Artist and former Scottish Ballet Associate Hannah Cubitt as Snowflake, in Scottish Ballet's The Snow Queen. Photo Credit Andy Ross

A performer in an ornate, vintage-style costume twirls a ribbon, smiling brightly. She wears a detailed headdress with feathers and intricate gold patterns, with a blurred indoor background.

Hannah Cubitt in a behind the scenes on the set of The Snow Queen campaign image shoot. Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic.

For dancers like Hannah Cubitt, the journey has been deeply personal. “I was a Scottish Ballet Senior Associate from the age of 13. “My mum and dad used to drive me from Kirkcaldy to Glasgow every weekend,” she reminisces. That dedication paid off: during her studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she was invited to perform with Scottish Ballet — and offered a full-time contract mid-tour. “I was thrilled,” Hannah smiles.

Alfie McPherson, who grew up in Aberdeen, took an explorative path through hip-hop, tap, and gymnastics before ballet became his calling. After training in London and dancing in Germany, he returned home to join Scottish Ballet

A person wearing a red and white jester hat and a striped polo shirt stands with arms outstretched, smiling in a bright indoor setting, possibly a rehearsal or dance studio.

Artist Alfie McPherson in rehearsal for Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker. Photos by Mihaela Bodlovic.

A person wearing a striped shirt, black pants, and a headband leaps into the air with arms raised and a surprised expression, in a dance studio with ballet equipment in the background.

Alfie said: “I grew up in Aberdeen then later  left home to attend the Central School of Ballet in London, then danced with Hamburg Ballett and Ballett Vorpommern. Wanting to continue my career closer to home, I contacted Scottish Ballet with fingers crossed. Having worked with Scottish Ballet as an Associate and in ‘Hansel and Gretel’ in 2013, I knew I would leap at any opportunity. This windy path has culminated in me moving back to Scotland and joining Scottish Ballet.”

They are joined by fellow Associates alumni Charley Austin, Antonia Cramb, Harvey Littlefield, and Danila Marzili — each bringing their own story of training, dedication and a return to Scotland’s national dance company.

 

A group of ballet dancers in rehearsal, smiling and laughing as two dancers perform an acrobatic move in the center, with one leaning back and the other supporting him. Others watch, cheering and clapping, creating a joyful atmosphere.

L to R Artists Charley Austin and Hamish Longley in rehearsals for The Snow Queen. Credit Mihaela Bodlovic

Former SB Associates now dancing professionally with Scottish Ballet:

Charley Austin

Birthplace: Bellshill

Grew up in Glasgow

Associates: Junior-Mid-Senior Associates.

Training: English National Ballet School

Joined Scottish Ballet: 2025

 

A young person in a black t-shirt and blue athletic shorts poses with one hand on their hip and the other saluting, wearing a black hat and a wristwatch, standing indoors against a blurred background.

Artist Charley Austin in rehearsal for Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker. Photo credit Mihaela Bodlovic

A young man with light skin, short blond hair, and blue eyes looks at the camera with a slight smile. He is wearing a black shirt and is posed against a plain, light beige background.

Artist Charley Austin

Antonia Cramb

Birthplace: Crieff

Grew up in Crieff

Associates: Junior-Mid-Senior Associates.

Training: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Joined Scottish Ballet: 2024

A ballerina in a white and pink leotard and cream skirt sits on the floor in a split, looking to the side. Two people sit in the background, one on a yellow block, in a dance studio setting.

Artist Antonia Cramb in rehearsals for Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker. Photo credit Mihaela Bodlovic

A young woman with fair skin and light brown hair pulled back smiles at the camera. She is wearing a turquoise spaghetti strap top and small hoop earrings, with a neutral beige background.

Artist Antonia Cramb

Hannah Cubitt

Birthplace: Kirkcaldy

Grew up in Kirkcaldy

Associates: Senior Associates

Training: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Joined Scottish Ballet: 2019

Hannah is generously supported by Ian & Fiona Russell.

A smiling ballerina wearing a jeweled tiara and a white, sparkling costume stands in profile against a dark background, her hands clasped together as if in applause or anticipation.

Artist Hannah Cubitt waits at the side of the stage during Scottish Ballet's The Snow Queen. Photo Credit Andy Ross

A young woman with straight brown hair and light skin smiles at the camera. She is wearing a gray sleeveless top and pearl stud earrings, with a neutral beige background.

Artist Hannah Cubitt

Harvey Littlefield

Birthplace: Kent

Grew up in Glasgow

Associates: Junior Associates

Training: Dance School of Scotland, English National Ballet School.

Joined Scottish Ballet: 2021

Harvey is generously supported by Jamie & Kyle Anderson Weir.

A person with light hair in a short ponytail, wearing a black tank top with a pink butterfly design and orange waistband, stands with one arm extended, leaning on a decorative red structure, looking to the side.

First Artist Harvey Littlefield in rehearsals for The Snow Queen. Credit Mihaela Bodlovic.

A young person with light skin, straight blonde hair, and green eyes, wearing a light pink shirt and a gold hoop earring, stands against a plain beige background, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

First Artist Harvey Littlefield

Danila Marzili

Birthplace: Glasgow

Grew up in Italy

Associates: Senior Associates

Training: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Joined Scottish Ballet: 2024

A young woman wearing a black leotard and skirt stands in a dance studio, looking to the side with her hair tied up. Ballet barres and a jacket hanging in the background are visible.

Danila Marzilli in The Snow Queen rehearsals. Credit Mihaela Bodlovic

A young woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a thin-strap top and stands against a plain light gray background.

Artist Danila Marzili

Alfie McPherson

Birthplace: Aberdeen

Grew up in Aberdeen

Associates: Senior Associates

Training: Central School of Ballet and Hamburg Ballet School

Joined SB: 2025

Two ballet dancers leap joyfully; the man wears a striped shirt, black pants, and a hat with red spikes, while the woman wears a light top, black skirt, and white tights. Both are smiling in a bright studio.

L to R Artists Alfie McPherson and Elizabeth Williams in rehearsals for Wee Nutcracker. Photo credit Mihaela Bodlovic.

A young person with light skin and short, wavy blond hair smiles slightly. They are wearing a black tank top and a silver chain necklace, standing in front of a plain light-colored background.

Artist Alfie McPherson

“I’m thrilled to be bringing this wintry tale to theatres across the country, showcasing the incredible talents of the dancers of Scottish Ballet, six of whom are from Scotland and trained in the Scottish Ballet Associates programme. The Snow Queen showcases the depth of talents throughout the Company”

Christopher Hampson, Scottish Ballet’s CEO/Artistic Director

Performers in colorful, traditional costumes dance energetically on stage with a forest backdrop, a full moon, and a wooden wagon. The scene is vibrant and theatrical, illuminated by dramatic blue and purple lighting.
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