Counting down the days…

before the performance and waiting patiently in your seat for the lights to dim; like you, we can’t wait to bring this family favourite, Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker, to theatres across Scotland and Newcastle this winter.

Our beloved production of The Nutcracker premiered a decade ago, reviving Peter Darrell’s choreography. We’re taking inspiration from our founder’s spirit of innovation as we revisit this classic. You’ll see new choreography by Scottish Ballet CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson and Scottish Ballet’s resident choreographers. The production also provides a unique opportunity for talent development. Two of our own dancers, Principal, Jessica Fyfe and Soloist, Javier Andreu will choreograph divertissements (short, joyful ballet scenes) for The Land of Sweets.

Watch out for sword-wielding mice, snowflakes and lots of sparkle and shine — everything you’ve come to expect and love about The Nutcracker and more! 

Creating the steps for such a prominent ballet is no mean feat — our winter season is the biggest tour of the year reaching an audience of over 60,000 people. Alongside Jessica and Javier, Resident Choreographer, Sophie Laplane (Dive, Dextera) and Associate Choreographer Nicholas Shoesmith (Odyssey, Trifecta) will play their part. Sophie and Nicholas started their choreography careers at the company and now work as successful Creatives, demonstrating the importance of that first chance.

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A FLAIR FOR FRENCH

Jessica can’t wait to see the dancers perform in ‘her’ French divert. To create part of such a well-known ballet that will live on in the repertoire is a big responsibility but there is safety in it; the choreography fits into a bigger whole. Jessica says, ‘Standing at the front of the studio giving instructions was completely new to me but we all work towards the same goal; making a ballet the dancers love to perform, and audiences love to watch.’

Soloist, Melissa Parsons is excited to learn Jessica’s new choreography. Because they work together every day as dancers, being open and honest is easy. ‘Jessica just puts on her pointe shoes and dances with us to feel the flow of the steps, it’s a great way to work together.’

Standing at the front of the studio giving instructions was completely new to me but we all work towards the same goal; making a ballet the dancers love to perform, and audiences love to watch..

Jessica Fyfe, Principal & Choreographer of the French Divert

Next Steps

As careers are relatively short in the dance world, often not going beyond dancers’ mid-thirties, development opportunities before this time are vital. After rehearsals, performances and recovery, time and energy levels are often in short supply. Other dancers may not consider the next step in their careers until they are struck by injury. At Scottish Ballet we guide our dancers along this path from the outset; we organise career development and support, choreography workshops, give time off for training days and help them build professional networks for the future.

Opportunities for dancers to create choreography for The Nutcracker are just the start. With your help we can’t wait to see what’s next!

Share our commitment to new creative voices at Scottish Ballet by giving today. Your contribution is vital to the future of your national dance company.

When the lights dim, we hope you love our Nutcracker as much as we do. Thank you.

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All those who donate £50 or more will be accredited here on our website, and those who donate £100 or more will also be accredited in a souvenir programme, unless you would prefer to remain anonymous.