Scottish Ballet is delighted to announce the appointment of Oliver Rydout as Deputy Artistic Director, a role that recognises his exceptional commitment to the company and marks an important milestone in his continuing leadership journey.

Christopher Hampson CBE, CEO & Artistic Director said: “Oliver’s promotion reflects not only his deep artistic understanding and technical expertise, but his unwavering dedication to supporting our dancers and the wider artistic team. As the demands of leadership in our sector continue to evolve, I’m grateful to have a team and leaders with a shared vision for Scottish Ballet’s future. This appointment allows us to strengthen our leadership structure and ensure we continue to deliver excellence on stage and screen while nurturing the next generation of talent.”

Oliver’s connection to Scottish Ballet spans over two decades, having first joined the company as a dancer before moving into leadership roles. He was appointed Rehearsal Director in 2017, followed by his promotion to Director of Dance & Artistic Development in 2023. Oliver’s appointment as Deputy Artistic Director represents a natural progression, allowing the company to share responsibilities more widely across its senior leadership team.

Responding to his appointment, Oliver said: “Scottish Ballet has been my artistic home for most of my career, and I’m deeply honoured to take on this new role. Having experienced the company from so many perspectives as a dancer, coach, and now Deputy Artistic Director, I understand the dedication and artistry of everyone who contributes to our work. I’m excited to continue supporting our dancers’ development and to work alongside Christopher in shaping bold, adventurous performances that inspire and captivate audiences.”

Beyond his work at Scottish Ballet, Oliver holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Arts Education and was a founding member and lecturer on the BA Modern Ballet programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, demonstrating his commitment to developing the next generation of dance artists.