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Emergence

The mesmerising ballet by Crystal Pite and a world premiere from Julia Cheng

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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:

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