A spectacular celebration of classical and contemporary dance: the Modern Ballet Annual Performance returns to RCS

Published: 10/06/2023

Stunning classical repertoire and cool contemporary works from some of the UK’s most exciting choreographers and the dance world’s brightest new stars … the stage is set for a spectacular ballet performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Students from the Modern Ballet degree programme, including graduating dancers, will step into the spotlight from June 15 to 17 in the New Athenaeum Theatre.

The show is a thrilling mix of classical and contemporary works from all three year groups of the BA Modern Ballet degree programme, which is delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet.

And it’s a chance for audiences to see the next generation of dance talent before they make their mark in the professional world.

Book tickets for the Modern Ballet Annual Performance

Since its inception in 2009, the BA Modern Ballet degree programme at RCS has grown to become one of the UK’s most respected dance training programmes. Graduates have leapt into positions at renowned dance companies around the world, including Scottish Ballet, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Northern Ballet, National Ballet of Portugal, Ballet Cymru, Joffrey Ballet Apprenticeship, Ballet Ireland, Prague Chamber Ballet and Universal Ballet Korea.

This year, the Modern Ballet Annual Performance will stage specially commissioned new works by an electrifying mix of choreographers including Andrew McNicol, Daniel Davidson, Diana Loosmore, Nicholas Shoesmith and Madeline Squire.

Daniel Davidson

Daniel joined Scottish Ballet in 2005 where he performed works by renowned choreographers such as Richard Alston, George Balanchine, Matthew Bourne and William Forsythe and danced for Rambert from 2014-2022, performing in works by choreographers including Merce Cunningham and Wayne McGregor.

Daniel has created Ache for the showcase, inspired by endings and new beginnings: “It is a work about growing, evolving and moving through life together and then having the courage to rebuild once that journey ends.

 “Working with the students on this piece has been a wonderful experience. Their creativity and dedication has left me feeling incredibly inspired and I’m enormously grateful for their input and generosity in helping me explore my choreographic voice.”

Nicholas Shoesmith

Nicholas Shoesmith joined Scottish Ballet in 2012 and was promoted to Soloist in 2016. He was appointed Associate Choreographer in 2022.

Nicholas was nominated in the National Dance Awards 2019 in the ‘Outstanding Male Classical Performance’ category for his role as John Proctor in The Crucible.

“Myriapods require the use of all of its limbs to pull in one direction. Same can be said about dancers in a creative environment, and so I’ve really tried to make a work in which the entire team on stage are working together to create the patterns and shapes required.

“For a group of first years, these classmates are very cohesive and work very well together. It’s been a great joy creating for them.”

Madeline Squire

Madeline joined Scottish Ballet in 2014 and was promoted to First Artist in 2016.

“The Bloom represents moments of growth, rebellion and bravery. These moments help us blossom into strength, power and unity. The hair out represents a release of the ‘ballet bun’, and how that sometimes in order to develop we must celebrate our uniqueness’s together.

“I hope the dancers have loads of fun out there and I am so incredibly proud of how much of themselves they have shown in the work. They have really supported and celebrated each other as individuals, and I’ve loved watching them grow!”

The BA Modern Ballet programme is designed to help students develop secure classical and contemporary dance technique, and prepare them for the profession as a confident, versatile and technically strong dancer.

Dancers graduate with the skills required by professional companies as well as the ability to communicate effectively with other artists, choreographers and audiences.

Delivered in partnership with Scottish Ballet, dancers work closely with the company and internationally acclaimed teachers and choreographers throughout their studies.

Graduate-year students attend company class at Scottish Ballet while some have the opportunity to perform in the mainstage company tours.

Visit the BA Modern Ballet webpage to find out more about studying on this three-year degree programme.

Main image © Andy Ross