Legacy stories
The inspiration to remember the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund in their Will is unique and personal to each of our Darrell Bequest Circle patrons. From dancers and students who have graced the stage, studio and even ballet barre at home or on Zoom to those mesmerised by their first performance.
By leaving a gift in their Will all patrons ensure the future of ballet for generations to come. And what could be better than that? Here we share the stories behind some of our legacy patrons. Will you join them in securing the company’s future for generations to come?
Laura – sharing the joy of ballet
Scottish Ballet and Laura go back quite a few years; she danced with Scottish Ballet as Clara in The Nutcracker in 1977. She travelled to London and Paris with Rudolf Nureyev when he danced for the company and has fantastic memories of her time with SB.
Laura as Clara in Scottish Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker 1977
When I received an invitation to a meeting about leaving a legacy to Scottish Ballet I decided to attend and have now included the company in my Will. Ballet gave me so much joy in the past and it still does today. I would really love others to experience Scottish Ballet well into the future too.’
Ross – communities and beyond
‘I actually didn’t think ballet was for me but a friend asked me to join him for Scottish Ballet double bill of Elite Syncopations and The Rite of Spring about ten years ago. It was a real turning point for me, I just loved it! I have followed the company closely ever since, go to every performance I can and have 16 production posters proudly displayed in my hall.’
About joining the legacy circle, the Darrell Bequest Circle, Ross says;
I saw an advert in a souvenir programme six or seven years ago and it stuck with me. Last year I had to rewrite my Will and decided to include the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund. They do such great work, not only in theatres but also in communities, and they take good care of their dancers. I want that to continue into the future. Being part of the Darrell Bequest Circle has definitely made me feel closer to the company.’
William and Rose – paying it forward
William and Rose’s journey with ballet started when they saw their first performance at Bolshoi Ballet perform in Moscow. On their return they were keen to see what their own national dance company had in store and have seen many Scottish Ballet performances since. They recently included the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund in their Will and have also joined as Director’s Circle patrons.
By becoming supporters we hope to inspire others to do the same. I am still amazed that dancers and musicians are putting all that hard work in just for us to enjoy! Our reason for remembering the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund in our Wills is about paying it forward to the next generations of ballet audiences.’
Christina Kelly – inspiring dancers and audiences
Christina’s love of dance and ballet started young; she was two when she started classes and danced until the age of 15. A few years ago she joined online beginner’s classes with Scottish Ballet and is pleasantly surprised by how much she remembers. Productions like The Crucible and Coppelia left a deep impression on her and she wanted to make a longer-term commitment to the company. She says;
I’ve chosen to remember Scottish Ballet in my Will to help ensure its artistry, creativity and impact will continue to inspire dancers and audiences long into the future.’
May Mailer – a super fan
May’s daughters Alison and Gillian are proud that their mother, May, remembered Scottish Ballet in her Will. She was a very keen fan of Scottish Ballet all her life and even when she was at the end of her life, listening to ballet music made her feel better and gave her comfort.
She always had tickets for the performances and we often went together. Swan Lake was her favourite but she became more open to modern works too. When I sit in the audience I think ‘Mum would have just loved this!’ Thanks to the gift in her Will I now have a fond connection to the company too.’
Alison, daughter of May
Leave a gift in your Will
Ballet is the gift that never leaves us. Choose to name the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund in your Will, and you’ll be helping us share this precious gift with many others.
