Age no barrier to ballet for first Digital Season
SCOTLAND’S national poet has given her words to a dance project showing age is no barrier to ballet.
Scottish Ballet is hoping to connect with new audiences during its first Digital Season – which includes specially commissioned short dance films, online events and a digital installation.
One film, Haud Close Tae Me, sees professional dancer Mia Thompson join with 66-year-old Jill Ferguson.
The pair perform to a specially written poem by Makar Jackie Kay in a routine choreographed by Scottish Ballet’s Artistic Director Christopher Hampson.
Jill, who danced as a teenager, is a member of the ballet company’s Elders Company, a dance group for the over-50s.
She was chosen to perform in the short film after taking part in a workshop with Christopher.
And Jill says she can’t quite believe that in her 60s she’s dancing with a professional ballerina.
Jill, from Uddingston, said: “When I was younger I never imagined that, in my 60s, I would be performing at a national ballet company and actually dancing with one of their ballerinas.
“I haven’t done anything like this before and I was a little apprehensive but I found the whole experience to be exciting and thoroughly enjoyable.
“Christopher Hampson was so professional, patient and supportive throughout the entire project. The opportunity to perform with a professional ballet dancer was unmissable and an unforgettable experience.”
For Jill, being part of the Elders Company is about dance, fitness and performing but she says the social aspect of making new friends is also important.
Jill added: “I enjoy everything about dance, including, the freedom and expression of movement, the challenge of improvement, learning new pieces and the accompanying music.
“Dance is something I would recommend to other mature woman and men. It is an extremely enjoyable form of exercise for everyone.
“Ballet does give me a connection with my younger self as when I’m dancing my age is totally forgotten as the emotions and feelings of well-being take over.”
Haud Close Tae Me was filmed in a derelict office building on French Street in Dalmarnock and was directed by in-house designer and film-maker Eve McConnachie.
Eve, who joined Scottish Ballet in 2009, said the Digital Season is designed to attract people who might not come to the theatre.
Jackie Kay’s poem is about the connection between our younger and older selves.
Eve said: “Christopher created a piece of choreography specifically on these two women and he was inspired by the relationship between them.
“When it came to filming I also found the differences and similarities of the body at different stages of life fascinating so I tried to emphasise that in what we shot.
“Jill was fantastic. We only had one day to shoot and so it was a long day in a cold location. She was tireless and embraced everything I asked her to do.”
Haud Close Tae Me will be released online on Wednesday, followed by short film, The Perfect Place on April 19.
From April 24 will be A Work in a Week, a series of live streaming events showing choreographer James Cousins as he is challenged to create a work in a week.
And a digital installation in collaboration with the Glasgow School of Art will launch on April 25 and run until May 5. For more info, visit www.scottishballet. co.uk/event/digital-season