Scottish Ballet’s Twice-Born double bill in rehearsal

Scottish Ballet's double bill, Twice-Born, presents works by two of the most exciting choreographers working today: a new work by Olivier Award-winning Dickson Mbi, and the UK premiere of Schachmatt (Checkmate) by Cayetano Soto.

The programme will tour to Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh in the autumn.

Dickson Mbi was born in Cameroon and grew up in London, where he studied at London Contemporary Dance School, before training with Russell Maliphant. He is well-known in the Hip Hop dance community for his popping skills, which are integral to his work. His new work, Twice-Born, “explores ancient matriarchal parables and rituals, and is set in a fictional world”. Dickson, who has also composed the soundtrack of Twice-Born, is the first Creative Associate of Scottish Ballet's Next Generation Campaign – a programme to house ten early-to-mid-career choreographers, costume and set designers, composers and film-makers, who will be involved in the development and production of at least ten new works by 2028.

Scottish Ballet Artistic Director Christopher Hampson said,

Dickson has inspired and collaborated with Scottish Ballet's dancers for this ambitious new production. His unique movement style, and ability to imbue his work with a deep connection to his own personal experiences, will deliver a visceral and exciting dance spectacle for audiences, and this World Premiere will be a pivotal moment for the whole company.

Opening the programme will be the UK Premiere of Schachmatt (Checkmate), by Spanish choreographer Cayetano Soto, which was a success at its world premiere in 2017. Performed on a giant chessboard, accompanied by a lively Latin soundtrack, with distinctive, equestrian-themed movements and costumes, this “breathtaking work is guaranteed to thrill audiences”.

Twice-Born Tour dates:

Glasgow, Theatre Royal:                             Thu 21 – Sat 23 Sep 2023, 7.30pm.

Aberdeen, His Majesty's Theatre:             Fri 6 Oct 2023, 7.30pm

Edinburgh, Festival Theatre:                      Fri 20 – Sat 21 Oct 2023, 7.30pm (+ matinee Sat 21 Oct 2.30pm)

Gramilano( Editor )

Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano') about dance, opera, music and photography for people “who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like”. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy.

His scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the ‘Danza in Italia' column for Dancing Times magazine.