Annual Report2011/12

Published April 2013

Front cover: Sophie Martin and Adam Blyde in Jorma Elo’s Kings 2 Ends. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Scottish BalletTramway25 Albert DriveGlasgowG41 2PE

General Telephone+44 (0) 141 331 2931

Websitewww.scottishballet.co.uk

Bethany Kingsley Garner and Remi Andreoni. Photograph Andrew Ross.

1Scottish Ballet Annual Report 2011/12

Scottish Ballet is...

• Scotland’s National Dance Company

• Engaged in creating opportunities to share its work to the widest possible audience

• Looking to awaken interest and ignite passion in the arts

• Continuing to seek, nurture and foster talent within Scotland

Tomomi Sato in The Sleeping Beauty. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Sophie Laplane. Photograph Andrew Ross.

2011/12 has been another successful year for Scottish Ballet

3Scottish Ballet Annual Report 2011/12

Scottish Ballet is Scotland’s National Dance Company and presents a wide range of high-quality dance to audiences across Scotland, the UK and abroad, with strong classical technique at the root of all of its work. This includes new versions of classic titles, as well as seminal modern works from 20th century choreographers, signature pieces by living choreographers, and new commissions.

The company regularly tours to large-scale venues in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness and periodically undertakes small-scale touring across Scotland. Strategic partnerships have been formed with the leading venues in the capital cities of the UK’s other nations, i.e. Belfast, Cardiff and London. The company has an established relationship with Edinburgh International Festival and continues to pursue opportunities abroad.

As well as presenting in conventional dance venues, Scottish Ballet is continually seeking new creative opportunities to promote and showcase its work to the widest possible audience, be it through digital media, in unusual locations, or at one-off events.

2011/12 has been another successful year for Scottish Ballet. The economic climate remains very challenging, and has resulted in reductions in core public funding. Nevertheless, the company has maintained growth in artistic and educational programmes and partnerships, as well as maintaining strong box office income.

Introduction

Noellie Conjeaud and Teun van Roosmalen in Jorma Elo’s Kings 2 Ends. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Quenby Hersh and Daniel Davidson in Pennies from Heaven. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

4Scottish Ballet Annual Report 2011/12

The 2011/12 season saw Scottish Ballet present two world premieres — a full length spring production of Alice with choreography by Ashley Page and a newly commissioned score by Robert Moran, and Jorma Elo’s Kings 2 Ends which premiered as part of the company’s Edinburgh International Festival programme. Kings 2 Ends also toured as part of Scottish Ballet’s extended Autumn Season which included an international tour to the USA as well as a run of performances at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal and London’s Sadler’s Wells.

2011/12

Erik Cavallari, Sophie Martin and Adam Blyde in MacMillan’s Song of the Earth. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Sophie Martin in Alice. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Audiences and Productions

A Scottish Ballet audience at Theatre Royal Glasgow. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Daniel Davidson and Sophie Laplane. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

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During 2011/12, Scottish Ballet presented 77 performances to 73,772 people, serving audiences from all over Scotland, as well as the UK and the USA.

The Company’s £10 ticket for under 26s, students and unwaged, which was created to encourage new audiences to try ballet, continued to be extremely successful, with a 100% increase in uptake.

In Theatres

73,772people

77performances

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Scottish Ballet’s online presence enjoyed continued growth, successfully encouraging people to interact with the company across a wide range of online and social media platforms.

During 2011/12 www.scottishballet.co.uk received 193,358 visits, a 20% increase on the previous year. Social media followers increased substantially throughout the year, reaching a total of 12,131 followers across Facebook and Twitter — a 28% increase from 2010/11. Short films to accompany productions, education projects, and to promote the Company as a whole continued to prove popular online, with video views on YouTube and Vimeo reaching a total of 111,402.

Online

flvxo

Quenby Hersh in Alice. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

The 2011/12 Season

Sophie Martin as The Sleeping Beauty.

Amy Hadley, Sohpie Martin, Tama Barry and Victor Zarallo in Alice. All photographs this page by Andrew Ross.

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Alice: A Very Important Date

In April 2011, Scottish Ballet premiered Ashley Page’s Alice. A new take on Lewis Carroll’s cherished stories the production combined episodes from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and was accompanied by a specially commissioned score by Robert Moran performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.

“A tremendously inventive and superbly danced production.” The Herald 

Sophie Martin, Quenby Hersh and Tomomi Sato in Alice.

Brenda Lee Grech as Tweedledum and Bethany Kingsley-Garner as Tweedledee in Alice.

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Edinburgh International Festival 2011

In August 2011, Scottish Ballet presented a double bill as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, the world premiere of Kings 2 Ends by Jorma Elo and the Scottish premiere of Kenneth MacMillan’s Song of the Earth.

“It is a coup for the company to acquire Song of the Earth; even more to dance it so unexpectedly well.”The Guardian

“For more than 40 years, Scottish Ballet has been one of the most vibrant and interesting companies on the UK dance scene. It is a ballet company born of a well considered vision and the desire to prove that there can be good ballet without grandiose spectacle… I have long admired the way the company has constantly positioned and marketed itself, successfully tackling an artistically eclectic range of genres and styles, but without ever going beyond its artistic limitations. Add to that its good artists and excellent dancers, and you will have a clear idea of why Scottish Ballet has long occupied a very special place in the hearts of ballet-goers and critics alike.”The Spectator

Scottish Ballet subsequently toured this programme to the USA and to Sadler’s Wells in London in Autumn 2011, visiting America for the first time in over 20 years.

“The company proved its versatility and creativity — and did away with any stereotypical notions of men in kilts.”Los Angeles Magazine

“…lovely duets that demonstrated the company’s assured partnering. Sophie Martin [was] a mesmerizing presence as a loner adrift in the world […and] the equally impressive Erik Cavallari; their concluding love duet made the heart tingle.”Los Angeles Times

Adam Blyde, Eve Mutso and Tama Barry in Song of the Earth. Photograph by Nisbet Wylie.

The Company in The Sleeping Beauty. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

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The Sleeping Beauty: A Magical Take on a Timeless Tale

Scottish Ballet’s winter season 2011/12 was a revival of Ashley Page’s spellbinding re-telling of the treasured fairytale The Sleeping Beauty (first premiered in 2007). This production was a feast for families across Scotland and beyond receiving 5 star reviews throughout.

“The beauty of the show is that it dances perfectly upon a tightrope, maintaining a tremendous balance between the traditional and the outlandish.”The Telegraph

“The current company rise to this challenge with finesse at every level.”The Herald 

“A wonderful mix of classical and modern, gorgeous costumes and wonderful music”Audience Member

Claire Robertson and Erik Cavallari. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Rosalind Nashashibi at work in Scottish Ballet. Photograph by Eve McConnachie

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During the course of the year, Scottish Ballet continued to develop partnerships with other cultural organisations. In collaboration with the National Library of Scotland, early editions of Lewis Carroll’s Alice books and other archive material from the NLS collection were displayed in an exhibition running in conjunction with Alice.

The company also worked on a number of projects with National Museums Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland, and Edinburgh International Science Festival.

As the year drew to a close, our partnership with Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art reached its climax with the conclusion of artist Rosalind Nashashibi’s residency; the resulting artwork — Lovely Young People (Beautiful Supple Bodies) — exhibited at the GI Festival Hub in April/May 2012.

Adam Blyde in rehearsals. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Member of Scottish Ballet’s Regenerate group. Photograph by

Andrew Ross.

Join In!At Scottish Ballet, education is everywhere. Our Education team works with a wide range of participants aged from just 18 months to 80 plus and presents a wide variety of opportunities to access the company and its work ranging from special projects designed to engage with new audiences, groups and artforms to classes, workshops and illustrated talks. Scottish Ballet offers something for everyone whether someone wants to dance, see costumes up close, meet new friends or just hear about what happens ‘behind the scenes’.

Scottish Ballet workshop. Photograph by Alicja Jaskiewicz.

Scottish Ballet Find Your Feet workshop. Photograph by Laura Rangil.

Ballet Café event. Photograph by David Barz.

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Join In On Tour

Created to unlock the repertoire for audience members, Scottish Ballet’s pre-show talks, insight events, Ballet Cafés, creative workshops and schools workshops reached 3,485 people throughout 2011/12.

3,485 people

Attendees aged 18 months to over 80 years.

Scottish Ballet’s Hatters Garden project. All photographs by Alicja Jaskiewicz.

105 young people with a background in dance or parkour working together.

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In spring 2011 we presented The Hatter’s Garden, a project for young people inspired by Scottish Ballet’s production of Alice. The project saw 105* young people with a background in dance or parkour working together with Scottish Ballet and Glasgow Parkour Coaching to create a unique site-specific performance in the Hidden Gardens next to Scottish Ballet’s headquarters at Tramway. An audience of 912 people watched this special dance and parkour performance.

The Hatter’s Garden

*25% of participants

were male

Audience of

912

Scottish Ballet Education event in Theatre Royal, Glasgow. All photographs by Andrew Ross.

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Audience of

987 for a one-off

event

40 Winks proved hugely popular

40 Winks

A brand new initiative designed especially to engage with young children aged 3+, 40 Winks introduced The Sleeping Beauty’s characters and story with a special performance. Participants also had the chance to experience dance for themselves through a practical workshop and unlock the magic of the story through specially created online resources. With an audience of 987 for this one-off event, 40 Winks proved hugely popular.

Scottish Ballet Touch tour. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Giving visually impaired patrons the opportunity to experience dance

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Audio Described Performances and Touch Tour

Scottish Ballet continues to offer audio-described performances in most venues, giving visually impaired patrons the opportunity to experience dance. All audio described performances are preceded by a touch tour in which patrons have the chance to get close to the props and costumes.

Scottish Ballet Wee Mice class. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

SBCY class. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

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Join In with community classes

During 2011/12 Scottish Ballet’s Education team welcomed almost 5,000 participants to a variety of classes from evening ballet classes for beginners and more experienced dancers to Regenerate, Wee Mice and SBYC classes which cater for participants aged 3 to 60+.

SBYC’s Stride Out group was selected for the national finals of the ‘U Dance’ competition held in February in Stirling. The group was delighted to participate in this competitive and very exciting youth dance event for Scotland.

5,000 education

participants

Photographs with permission from National Galleries of Scotland.

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Desire Project

Scottish Ballet and National Galleries Scotland worked in partnership on a performance project to nurture gifted and talented students in dance and visual art, giving them the opportunity to explore artistic collaboration. Students from across disciplines worked together to create original performances for the public at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in March 2012. In response to the themes from Scottish Ballet’s new production of A Streetcar Named Desire, created for the spring 2012 season, the students used a variety of stimuli to create original performances. These included themes and quotes from the Tennessee Williams’ play, works of art from the National Galleries of Scotland collection, and performance spaces/environments within the gallery.

Scottish Ballet Alice webcast.

5,000views

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Join In Online

For the first time, Scottish Ballet provided backstage access to a global audience via a live webcast from the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh as the company prepared to go on stage with Alice. The broadcast, which was shown simultaneously to an invited audience at the National Library, received nearly 5,000 views and inspired an active stream of conversation across social media platforms.

Luciana Ravizzi in rehearsals. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Scottish Ballet Associate.Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Ballet Stars of the Future

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Associate Programme

The Associate Programme aims to nurture young, talented dancers and enable them to prepare for vocational training to develop a professional career in dance. There are three levels of the Programme, comprising Junior Associates (Primary 6 and 7), Mid Associates (Secondary 1 and 2) and Senior Associates (Secondary 3-5).

The 2011/12 session of the Associate Programme showed further development, particularly at the Mid Associate level. From the introduction of the Mid Associates in 2009, classes were offered initially on a fortnightly basis. However, in response to feedback from parents, students and teachers, this increased to weekly classes for the 2011/12 session. The benefits of this additional level of training are now becoming apparent, with 95% of the students who were successful in the auditions for the Senior Associate level, feeding through from Mid Associate level.

The training year is divided into three terms, following that of the school year, with participants continuing to attend their regular, local dance classes. The Associate Programme compliments this, providing a continuous professional training strand in a Company environment. All classes are held at Scottish Ballet’s headquarters at Tramway and are accompanied by live music.

Kerry Livingstone, Head of the Associate Programme, has designed the Associate classes to link to the work of Scottish Ballet; therefore, as well as technique classes the Associates have repertoire-based sessions with dancers from Scottish Ballet (based on current repertoire) and attend performances. In addition, the students study creative, contemporary, character dance, alongside Pilates, pointe work and virtuosity. Mid and Senior level Associates are also introduced to Gyrokinesis, a series of exercises designed to increase flexibility and strength.

“I love going to Mids. I always learn new things every time I go and I can’t wait for each week to come.”Mid Associate participant

Scottish Ballet Associate. Photograph by Andrew Ross

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The aim of the programme is to give students the skills to gain one of the few funded places

Looking to the Future

Demand for places is high, with a particularly strong number of applications for Mid and Senior Associates in 2012. Almost 500 children auditioned for a place in the programme from all over Scotland.

There were enough applicants of the appropriate quality to allow the boys class in the monthly Junior Associate programme to be continued.

The success of the programme is most easily judged by the success of the students in gaining places in full-time vocational schools. The aim of the programme is to give students the skills to gain one of the few funded places and all of the final year students who wished to pursue a career in dance won scholarships. Throughout 2011/12 students from the programme were offered places at the following schools: The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, The Dance School of Scotland, Elmhurst School of Dance, Rambert School, and Ballet West.

500children

auditioned

BA Modern Ballet Students.

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BA Modern Ballet

This year the BA Modern Ballet, which commenced in partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in September 2009, produced its first graduates. The final rung in the ladder of vocational ballet training did not previously exist in Scotland, so exceptionally talented young people, no matter how highly skilled, would need to leave Scotland in order to complete their training. This critical gap in provision has now been filled, ensuring that native talent has the potential to be fully realised at home, as well as creating the opportunity for talented students from overseas to study under the auspices of Scotland’s national dance company in a conservatoire environment.

Associate students also benefit from the link with the BA Modern Ballet Programme, which is delivered in partnership between Scottish Ballet and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Students have had classes with staff from the degree programme and, in 2012, we were delighted when 5 Senior Associates successfully auditioned for the Conservatoire and chose to pursue their full-time dance training there.

This year, the PG Dip (Pianist for Dance), also delivered in association with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, evolved into a two year masters; it remains the only course of its kind in Europe.

The PG Dip (Pianist for Dance) remains the only course of its kind in Europe

Every year Scottish Ballet’s donors, sponsors, Friends and Director’s Circle members make a huge difference to helping Scottish Ballet produce new work and create opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in learning and participating.

Supporting Scottish Ballet

Supporting Scottish Ballet

(Opposite page) Paul Liburd as the Romanian Prince, Christopher Harrison as the Austrian Prince, Claire Robertson as Aurora, Tama Barry as the Russian Prince and Gregory Dean as the French Prince in The Sleeping Beauty. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Sophie Laplane and Daniel Davidson. Photograph Andrew Ross.

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Companies of many types sponsor Scottish Ballet, supporting the innovation of and investment in the highest quality dance. Supporters range from Scottish suppliers specialising in bespoke products who help Scottish Ballet in practical ways to international branches of investment businesses or the tour sponsors who benefit from significant marketing benefits and enjoy a distinctive relationship with the company.

Throughout 2011/12 Scottish Ballet was delighted to welcome Cazenove Capital as Corporate Dance Partners; Shell as Education partners; Aberdeen Asset Management who sponsored the opening night of our USA tour; MAC who reinvigorated their sponsorship of Scottish Ballet’s make-up and held a master class for the dancers; and Inverarity One to One who produced special bottles of wine for Alice featuring bespoke Scottish Ballet labels.

Every sponsor has a different motivation, and Scottish Ballet’s Development team works with them to create a bespoke package to ensure their marketing or corporate responsibility needs are met. Some companies choose to bring clients to events; others use the opportunity to say thank you to their staff, whereas some enjoy the brand association that comes with a tour sponsorship.

Productive Partnerships, at Home and on Tour

Supporting the innovation of and investment in the highest quality dance

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Conceived byAshley Page

Antony Mcdonald

Original music byRobert Moran

World PremiereFor full details visit www.scottishballet.co.ukIllustrations by Timorous Beasties | Photography by Nisbet & Wylie | Registered in Scotland No. SC065497 | Registered Charity No. SC008037

As part of a continuing relationship, private bank Adam & Company came on board as headline sponsor of the world premiere tour of Alice. Sponsorship of this kind was a new opportunity for Adam & Company, offering them a diverse audience demographic and access to performances across the UK.

Scottish Ballet’s dedication to staging performances of the highest standards reflected perfectly Adam & Company’s aim to provide the very highest levels of service to all of its clients.

Of the Alice tour, sponsorship Graham Storrie, Managing Director of Adam & Company said: “Adam & Company is delighted to be continuing its sponsorship of Scottish Ballet and to be further developing our partnership for this production of Alice.”

“As with all of our sponsorships that have charitable status, we feel that it is important to provide our support, particularly in such challenging economic times, so that we can help preserve this wonderful art for future generations and enable outstanding work to be produced and performed.

“Simultaneously, it is important for us to be able to thank our clients for their support and provide access to bespoke rehearsals and productions and our association with Scottish Ballet is an excellent way of showing our appreciation.”

A Very Special Partnership

It is important for us to be able to thank our clients for their support... Scottish Ballet is an excellent way of showing our appreciation

Lucianna Ravizzi. Photograph by Graham Wylie

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The Friends of Scottish Ballet and the Director’s Circle members are the generous people who get closer to Scottish Ballet. By making regular donations, they help provide secure income for the Company and have an opportunity to attend special events to learn more and see the difference their support makes. This wonderful group contributed £72,820 during 2011/12 — enough to pay for Education projects for six months or for more than 2,000 pairs of shoes.

To the 619 people, organisations, charitable trusts, businesses and those who remembered Scottish Ballet in their wills, THANK YOU. This support is vital to Scottish Ballet and every gift is valued, whether it’s £1 or £100,000; this kindness and support helps keep Scottish Ballet on its toes.

Up Close and Personal

ThankYou!

This kindness and support helps keep Scottish Ballet on its toes

38Scottish Ballet Annual Report 2011/12

Critics’ Circle National Dance

Award

Achievements and Awards

During the course of the year, Scottish Ballet received a number of major industry awards.

Partnerships with Brooks Brothers and Reid were recognised with Arts & Business Awards, and following numerous previous awards, Scottish Ballet headquarters at Tramway, designed by Malcolm Fraser Architects, was shortlisted for a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award.

Ashley Page received a Herald Archangel Award for his work with Scottish Ballet and Principal dancer, Sophie Martin, received the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Female Performance (Classical).

During the course of the year, Scottish Ballet received a number of major industry awards.

Arts & Business Awards

RIBA Award

Herald Archangel

Award

Adam Blyde and Sophie Martin in Song of the Earth. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

Christopher Hampson in rehearsals. Photograph by Andrew Ross.

In making this appointment, the aim is to realise an even wider commissioning vision and breadth of distinctive programming

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In November 2011, Christopher Hampson was announced as new Artistic Director to succeed Ashley Page. In making this appointment, the aim is to realise an even wider commissioning vision and breadth of distinctive programming, and to engage even further with local and international artists to develop new partnerships and approaches so that Scottish Ballet continues to enrich, enthuse and inspire audiences throughout Scotland and sustain a dynamic presence on the international stage.

Looking to the Future

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Supporters and FundersActivity during 2011/12 was made possible through substantial public and private support from the following organisations and individuals:

Corporate Support

ESTABLISHED 1818

Director’s Circle

Dave and Jan BairdMichael BerryIain and Marion BarclayLaura BuistFiona CairnsDennis CarmichaelCarina and Victor ContiniJacquelynn CrawSir Sandy and Lady CrombieDominic and Ann-Marie FryPhilip and Raine GardnerKate and Gavin GemmellHeather GordonJulian and Julie KeanieAndrew LowLord Macfarlane of BearsdenDuncan and Una McGhieJudith and Douglas MaccollLord and Lady PenroseCaroline RoxburghSir Muir and Lady RussellAnn and Derek ShepherdAlastair StewartDeborah StewartbyGraeme TaylorLeslie and Alma WolfsonAnd anonymous donations

Trust and Foundation Support

The Robertson TrustAdaline Calder Memorial TrustAberdeen Endowment Trust Barcapel FoundationCastansa TrustEsmee Fairbairn FoundationGordon Fraser Charitable TrustJean R Stirrat’s Charitable TrustJohn Mather Charitable TrustJohn Watson’s TrustMEB Charitable TrustMrs J M F Charitable TrustThe Binks TrustThe Cruden FoundationThe Hugh Fraser FoundationThe James Wood Bequest FundThe JTH Charitable TrustThe Leche TrustThe Martin Connell Charitable TrustThe Merchants House of GlasgowThe Russell TrustThe TC Charitable TrustThe Verden Sykes TrustThe W M Mann FoundationThe W A Cargill FundThe Whitley Trust

Registered Charity No SC008037. Registered in Scotland No SC065497.