Scottish Ballet

Scottish Ballet is taking an exciting leap this September, with three ambitious productions which combine contemporary music, fashion and cinematographic techniques.

Topping the bill is Steven Petronio’s Ride The Beast, set to be filled with Petronio’s signature twists and jolts, all to the music of rock’s favourite, Radiohead. Costumes are provided by New York acclaimed fashion designer and stylist to the stars, Benjamin Cho. Described by principle dancer and poster boy, Daniel Davidson, as “completely beautiful. A work of art,” Ride the Beast looks set to be a dynamic treat of sound and visuals.

The big apple connection is continued in MG: The Movie, a piece by widely-acclaimed, NY-based choreographer, Trisha Brown. As the title suggests, the piece explores the idea of bringing film techniques to the stage, combining dance and the cinema. Set to the music of Alvin Curran, under spellbinding lighting effects, the piece is full of subtlety, unpredictability and beauty. “It was a whole new way of working,” Daniel explains, “everything was stripped back.”

Both these pieces were debuted at last year’s Edinburgh festival to wide critical approval. The final production in the Scottish Ballet’s triple bill is the world premier of Pennies From Heaven, a depiction of love stories by artistic director Ashley Page. Described as “pure vintage glamour,” the audience can expect perms, pearls and diamonds, to the sound of popular songs of the period. “It’s a really fun piece,” Daniel enthuses.

The Scottish Ballet appears to have captured a diverse and exciting array of visuals, pace and atmospheres with their Autumn productions that contrast and bounce off one another. “Audiences should prepare to be surprised,” Daniel advises, and with a combination of dance, popular culture, cinema, 1930s decadence, and vibrant fashion, I have every belief that they will be.