OFFICIAL OPENING OF SCOTTISH BALLET AT TRAMWAY

Photo : Andrew Ross

Scotland’s national dance company celebrates the opening of its new home

Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Mike Russell, Scottish Ballet Principal Claire Robertson, and Scottish Ballet Mid-Associate Scott McKenzie celebrate the official opening of Scottish Ballet’s brand new custom built premises at Tramway.

To mark this historic moment for Scottish Ballet, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this month, Mr Russell unveiled the donor wall, engraved with the names of those who contributed financially to the Tramway project.


Photo : Andrew Ross

Claire Robertson’s dazzling jewel-encrusted costume is from George Balanchine’s Rubies, a piece which will be performed by the Company as part of Scottish Ballet’s 40th Anniversary Season, which tours to London and across Scotland throughout October. Twelve-year-old Scott McKenzie, from Dum, is a member of Scottish Ballet’s celebrated Associate Programme, a training scheme which prepares young people with an aptitude for movement for a career in dance.

Culture Minister Michael Russell said:
"I was delighted to learn in May that Scottish Ballet had succeeded in reaching its Tramway Appeal fundraising target and that our national dance company would finally be moving to the purpose-built premises it deserves. The strides Scottish Ballet is making in its educational programmes will encourage talented Scottish-based dancers to train and remain here in Scotland. With a diverse programme, the Company is making culture and the arts more accessible to the people of Scotland whilst further enhancing Scottish Ballet's international reputation. This collaboration between Scottish Ballet and the Tramway Theatre shows how partnerships between cultural organisations can reap great rewards."

I will have much more for you from the Company as they begin their 40th Anniversary Season.