Take a closer look behind the curtain and you’ll find a world of people making their own communities in the arts.

There are many ways to get involved with Scottish Ballet, and we’re delighted to share with our newsletter readers some stories from people who have found a place for ballet in their lives.

We’re lucky to have a wonderful group of volunteers that support our weekly dance health classes, helping to create welcoming and supportive spaces for everyone who takes part.

Hazel tells us what led her to volunteering with Scottish Ballet.

I’m Hazel and I started volunteering about 4 or 5 years ago. I first came, with my husband as his carer to the Time to Dance® classes, which was amazing, not at all what I’d expected it to be. I thought he might be quite wary of coming to the classes, but he absolutely loved it. He’s an ex-footballer, an ex-PE teacher, and he was in his element here! Seeing the difference it made to the participants and also to the people who came with him was amazing. I found it supportive, helpful, but most of all joyous, just the music, the movement, and meeting other people was a bonus.

Sadly, Miller’s Alzheimer’s progressed so that he’s no longer capable of coming to the classes. He went into a residential home. I was able to work with Scottish Ballet’s DVD they had produced for at-home exercises, and once a week I used to go into the home and help to do the same classes with the residents in the home. It was different but they enjoyed it very much, so that’s how I started really.
Once I had more time to myself when Miller went into the care home it was actually the Scottish Ballet staff who said, ‘have you ever thought about volunteering?’ and I thought, ‘sounds good!’.

What would you say to someone that’s thinking about volunteering? 

I would say don’t think twice! It feels like a bit of a cheat to say that you’re volunteering because you actually come and have a really good time. It’s something to do every week, you meet the other volunteers, you meet all the amazing participants. It’s just fascinating, and it’s nice to think it might be doing somebody some good somewhere along the line.

Gerry tells us about his experience being a dance health volunteer.

My name’s Gerry, and I’ve been volunteering here now for about 3 years. I started volunteering because I was looking for something to do. I used to volunteer in a deaf center, but it closed down, so I had a spare day and I saw this advertised. My friend said I wouldn’t be able to do it, so that’s what pushed me towards the door. I’m one of those people that if you tell me I can’t do something, I’ll go and do it!
The first moment I walked through the door I loved it in here. When you look around the place, people are smiling and it’s a relaxed atmosphere.

What would a typical shift look like for you volunteering a class?

When we come in first thing (if like today it’s really hot) we’ll open the windows, try to cool the place down, put the air conditioning on, we’ll set out the chairs, fill up the water for during the class. Make sure that whoever’s supporting the class are okay – what do they need from us today? We’ll write out sticky labels with names for people when they’re coming in and just generally make sure everything’s sorted perfectly for when the dancers come in the door. When the class starts, you just have a good laugh as well and keep the energy in the room up.

What would you say if someone was thinking about volunteering?

You’ve got to come! If you’ve got that in you to volunteer, this is the best place to volunteer. Scottish Ballet are so supportive. The other volunteers are really, really nice. We rotate around, so every time you come in it’s different people. The dancers are so nice to you. You’ll get so much from it. I just love coming in here, when I walk in the door I smile, it’s the best place I’ve ever volunteered.

Would you or someone you know benefit from a dance health class?

Time to Dance® sessions are dance-based classes for people living with dementia or memory loss, their families, friends, children, grandchildren, partners and carers.

SB Elevate®, aims to support the physical, mental and social wellbeing of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Dance for Parkinson’s Scotland support those living with Parkinson’s to experience the benefits of dance and creativity, improving balance, spatial awareness, and confidence.

Interested in volunteering with us?

If you would like to be added to the waiting list to volunteer please contact dancehealth@scottishballet.co.uk

Anne, Associate Programme Co-ordinator retires from the company after an incredible 27 years! Over the years it’s estimated she has processed over 11,000 applications and seen 4,450 young dancers offered a place in the programme, including some current company dancers.

We asked her a few questions about her role before she sets off on a new adventure.

When did you join Scottish Ballet and what was your role?

I joined SB in September 1998 initially working for the Friends of Scottish Ballet but after two years, the company asked if I would consider taking on the Associate Programme and I’ve been doing that ever since.

How has the Associate Programme changed/developed in your time at SB?

When I started the programme only offered Junior Associate classes to around 80 children. Gradually we introduced Senior and Mid Associate classes and now have around 230 students across the three levels.

What is unique about Scottish Ballet Associates?

It is unique in that it’s open to everyone and auditions are free of charge. The programme offers a pathway for talented young dancers right through from age 8 in Juniors to age 16 in Seniors to the BA Modern Ballet at RCS and potentially, the company. It allows students to stay at home and continue their ballet training with their local ballet teacher whilst receiving additional high level training at Scottish Ballet alongside other talented students. They also enjoy training in the company’s rehearsal studios accompanied by live music.

What has been your favourite memory? (if you can pick one!)

Auditions are my favourite time of year when I get to meet the young dancers and their families. That first audition could be the beginning of a professional dance career! I feel very proud sitting in the theatre watching Junior Associates performing on stage in the Christmas productions but I’m most proud of the fact that we now have several Associates who are now company dancers.

How do you plan to spend your free time now?

I love to travel so later this month I’m heading to Antarctica! Also looking forward to spending more time with family and playing my clarsach.

The Associate Programme provides classically based training for students from Primary 5 to Secondary 5. Our aim is to develop confident, dedicated and motivated dancers by supplementing the training provided by local dance teachers.

Linda tells us about her experience in Time to Dance classes with her mum.

When we joined Time to Dance in April 24 Mum had her Alzheimer’s diagnosis for over a year and was starting to show more and more memory loss to the point that we, as a family, we’re not happy to let her travel independently anymore. Prior to Covid Mum had been very active and attended Glasgow Caledonian University gym (an over 50s group) twice a week and she missed both the company and the exercise. As I was working full time the opportunities for her were very limited. I was on Alzheimer Scotlands website when I found details of the Time to Dance class. Mum loves ballet dancing… this was great opportunity for us to get out the house, meet others in a similar situation and join an activity that she would enjoy. After being on a waiting list for a short period of time we were contacted by Jo to say a place to start was available.

Neither of us had any dance experience- other than some childhood classes but we were happy to give this a try to see how things would go. Both of us had been to gym classes including Zumba and Step so I was happy that this would be in our capability with an understanding tutor as I struggle with left and right (much to Mums horror and constant correction).

When we started it was great to be able to do the class together. Working full time we only had the weekend as an opportunity and without the time set aside for our Time to Dance the weekend often disappeared doing household chores and shopping so to have this protected time out was very valuable. This also gave Mum news to tell the rest of the family so she would participate more in conversation rather than just listening to everyone else. She especially loved to let them know how she had to keep me right and how she was so much more coordinated than I am.

As the time passed Mums activity levels have declined and she is no longer as active as she was however, she is always up for the Time to Dance class and has never missed a day due to ill health or lack of willingness to participate. She no longer remembers the class from week to week but she enjoys herself in the moment and always leaves with a smile on her face. I’ve just been diagnosed with Asthma this year after starting the year with recurring chest infections and a persistent cough and even during this period we were always able to attend Time to Dance so for me it became my only source of exercise after having to give up my gym membership as I was no longer able to do the circuit classes until my asthma was more controlled. I’ve also just retired from work at the end of August so having structured activities, getting out and mixing is invaluable for me too. The exercise is very important to both of us and with Mums limited options and advancing years it’s great to have something suitable for her. She’s very dependent on me both socially and emotionally and Time to Dance includes us both. Joining in with other carers, fantastic staff and the wonderful volunteers ensures that it’s fun and inclusive for all, regardless of age or ability. Mum also loves the live music and recognises tunes and songs; people often sing along in class.

For anyone considering attending the group I would advise they take the first step and get in touch. Once they do that the rest is easy. Walking through the door of the Tramway you’re met with friendly faces, the group consists of those with varying stages of dementia so there is no expectation of a level of previous dance knowledge or fitness but the biggest attraction is that everyone is very welcoming and friendly. I’ve had lots of useful information from other carers and volunteers that has helped me navigate this journey with my Mum and it is a fun way to meet others. The class also helps lift both our mood and energy and we leave the group feeling better. There really is nothing to lose.

Time to Dance® sessions are dance-based classes for people living with dementia or memory loss, their families, friends, children, grandchildren, partners and carers. Each class is led by an experienced team of dance health artists and volunteers, and is accompanied by live music. Classes take place on Thursday afternoons at our Glasgow studios.

A Q&A with Ross Hoey, Youth Exchange dancer, reflecting on his experience so far.

When did you start dancing and did/do you attend any classes?

I started ballet classes at aged 8 and from age 9 -16 I trained with Scottish Ballet Associates in the junior, mid and seniors programme, and age 11-16 at RCS Juniors modern ballet. I have just completed 4 years at Glasgow Clyde College (Dance Studio Scotland) for an HND dance artist qualification and in September 2025 I start training on the degree programme for Ballet and contemporary dance at Rambert School in London.

How long have you been part of the YEX programme?

Since autumn 2024

What inspired you to join the Youth Exchange?

Earlier in 2024, through college, I was involved with a programme through Scottish Ballet Engagement, Creative Collective. The members from the Creative Collective were asked to be part of Scottish Ballet Youth Exchange for the coming year. I was delighted to be asked and accepted.

What have you learned, or loved, from taking part in YEX?

I loved experiencing performing at Dumfries House. The grounds are beautiful and so is the house. YEX also gave us a photo shoot alongside the wonderful opportunity to perform to an audience. I have also enjoyed the creative process, the leaders had us go round looking at the latest exhibition displayed in Tramway for some inspiration or the dance piece we were creating.

What is your dream?

My dream is to be in a position where I can show or platform dance to the entire planet. I want dance, as an artform, to strongly influence the future world for the better.

What would you say to another young dancer thinking of joining something like the Youth Exchange programme?

If you are unsure just take the risk because you will definitely enjoy it and dance is very rewarding!

Scottish Ballet’s Youth Exchange is a unique dance programme for young dancers in Scotland aspiring to a professional career in the dance industry.

Alison Templeton, Regenerate participant, tells us about her passion for ballet, and why there’s no plans to hang up her dancing shoes.

When I joined a dance class called Regenerate at Scottish Ballet, West Prince’s Street in 2005, little did I know that I would still be attending that class some twenty years later, at the age of eighty! How time flies when you are having fun!

Dance had been a big part of my life from about the age of four, ballet, tap, modern, and Highland. I did the RAD exams in Ballet, and I was at times going to classes four days a week.

As time went on I realised that I was not going to grow tall enough to be a professional dancer, nor was I good enough to make dance a career choice. I did really want to study at Glasgow School of Art, as my brother had.

Once at Art School, I missed dancing and I did briefly go back to it, by joining a group run by a former pupil of Margaret Morris, founder of Celtic Ballet. However studies and a ‘sixties’ Art School life got too busy and my ‘dancing’ was done to the Beatles, in the Student Unions on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Work, marriage, and children happened and my theatrical endeavours were then in amateur theatre, set design, costumes, acting and directing. I had plenty going on in my life.

It was by chance just after my sixtieth birthday I saw an article about Scottish Ballet running a class for senior ladies and despite living quite a distance from Glasgow at that time I just jumped at the chance and I have had such an enjoyable time dancing over the last twenty years.

As you stand at the barre all that early training comes back. Not all the ladies in the classes have a dance background but I believe we are all agreed that dancing makes us feel good! The live piano playing at class is another great pleasure.
As the group, Regenerate, we were able to join with other groups to promote the benefits of dancing. We participated in Dancing Voices for the Merchant City Festival and many other gatherings of similar dance groups.

At one point I was part of Scottish Ballet Elders’ Company, and toured our specially choreographed piece to Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and the Edinburgh Festival.
We had several people work with us, including Radio Two’s Resident Choreographer! We had a lot of fun dressing ourselves in punk rock outfits for that. Throughout Covid we continued to dance at online classes, in our kitchens or wherever we could swing our arms and legs.

It has been my privilege and pleasure to be a little part of what goes on in Scottish Ballet and to watch how the Company has evolved through the last twenty years. It is wonderful that they now have the accommodation and excellent facilities for the Company and Dancers at their Headquarters at Albert Drive, and of course the measure of that is in the great productions and performances that they offer to us all.

I will continue dancing either at class or round the kitchen when the notion takes me for some time yet, I hope.

Watch Alison recall her connection to The Nutcracker in the video below, filmed for the winter 2021-22 tour.

Regenerate classes for people aged 60+ take place on Thursdays in-person at our Glasgow studios, and online.