Scottish Ballet stuns with Stravinsky

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Scottish Ballet’s autumn 2017 tour, featured a double bill of two contrasting pieces –  The Rite of Spring and The Fairy’s Kiss – both bold and powerful scores by Stravinsky.

The Fairy’s Kiss

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale The Ice Maiden, The Fairy’s Kiss tells the story of a boy cursed with a kiss, destined for immortality. Scottish Ballet brought new life to the production, which marked the 25th anniversary of the death of its choreographer, Sir Kenneth MacMillan. The production received five-star reviews during its national tour and was presented as part of the National MacMillan Celebration at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in October 2017.

Constance Devernay and Andrew Peasgood of Scottish Ballet in Kenneth MacMillan's The Fairy's Kiss. Photo by Andy Ross
Constance Devernay and Andrew Peasgood of Scottish Ballet in Kenneth MacMillan’s The Fairy’s Kiss. Photo by Andy Ross

The Rite of Spring

Stravinsky wrote The Rite of Spring for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes company and it caused a sensation when first performed in 1913 as it was unlike anything ballet audiences had heard before. It is now considered to be one of the most influential musical works of the 20th century. Intense and visceral, Christopher Hampson’s new production The Rite of Spring, is presented 100 years after the original production revolutionised the world of dance and music.

Both performances were filmed by award-winning TV director Ross McGibbon at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh as part of the Scottish Ballet Autumn Season 2017 and can be seen on BBC iPlayer

About this artist

Scotland’s national dance company. The organisation aims to inspire on stage and beyond, showcasing creativity and bringing ballet to the widest possible audience. Since 1969, their award-winning performances take place all over Scotland – from the biggest cities to the most remote communities. The company also tours the world, promoting Scotland’s diverse and pioneering spirit far and wide.

Scottish Ballet supports dancers, choreographers and a wide range of artists and aims to inspire excellence and creativity in everyone, and bring works – new and old – to audiences they haven’t reached before.