Emergence
The mesmerising ballet by Crystal Pite and a world premiere from Julia Cheng
Enter a mesmerising underworld where human-kind dissolves into something altogether more elemental.
Crystal Pite’s Emergence is a breathtaking fusion of classical ballet and raw, insect-like movement that casts dancers as swarming creatures in a darkly beautiful universe, creating spectacular formations that blur the boundaries between individual and collective consciousness.
Drawing from swarm intelligence research and bee colony behaviour, Pite explores the tension between our craving for individual agency and our deep need for collective belonging. Set to Owen Belton’s haunting music, the full company transforms into a living, breathing super-organism, moving with the urgent precision of a hive mind. “Like the best works of art, it transforms its audience, as well as its participants” (The Seattle Times).
Returning to Scotland for the first time in ten years, this bold piece showcases the explosive physicality and artistry of Scottish Ballet.
Joining Emergence is a world premiere from Julia Cheng, the acclaimed choreographer behind Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and Fiddler on the Roof, whose boundary-crossing work has earned Olivier and Chita Rivera Award nominations. Cheng’s new work features an original score and a stellar creative team.
Prepare to be consumed by two of contemporary dance’s most electrifying choreographers.
Running time: The performance lasts approximately 90 minutes including one 20-minute interval.
#SBEmergence
Tour Dates
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
10 – 12 Sep 2026
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
25 – 26 Sep 2026
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
1 – 3 Oct 2026
Aberdeen & Edinburgh
SB Silver & Gold Friends priority booking: 20 Oct
General on-sale: 24 Oct
Glasgow
SB Silver & Gold Friends priority booking: 27 Oct
General on-sale: 31 Oct
Become a Silver or Gold Friend today for priority booking and more.
Reviews
The Guardian (on Emergence]
The Scotsman (on Emergence]
The Herald (on Emergence]
Credits
Emergence:
Choreography
Crystal Pite
Music
Owen Belton
Set
Jay Gower Taylor
Costumes
Linda Chow
Lighting
Alan Brodie
Trailer
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