111 costumes and 52 fabric rolls for show
Sisters are doing it for themselves in Scottish Ballet’s new version of The Snow Queen – on and off the stage. Just as Disney smash Frozen plundered Hans Chr i stian Andersen’s fairy tale for female empowerment inspiration, so too has the prestigious dance company as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
In its world premiere production of The Snow Queen, beginning in Edinburgh on Saturday, Scottish Ballet takes the unusual step of making all three central characters female. In doing so, says Bethany Kingsley- Garner, one of the principal dancers, it becomes a story of sisterhood rather than romance.
“Scottish Ballet has always been innovative in our work and has pushed the boundaries,” said Bethany, who has been with the company for 12 years
“Our artistic d i r e c t o r, Christopher Hampson, has taken the main points of the traditional story and made it very much a tale of sisterhood, of the three female characters’ journeys.
“There’s always a strong sense of romance because it’s a Christmas ballet, but it’s great to have that stronger side with this sisterhood and the three female characters.
“It’s quite rare to have so many females at the top and just the one male, Kai, who is part of this female triangle.”
In Scottish Ballet’s version of the tale, Bethany’s character, Greta, becomes engaged to her partner, Kai. When he suddenly disappears, Greta will do
An incredible 111 custommade costumes will bring The Snow Queen to life.
The hard-working team of three in the wardrobe department has also made multiple versions of some of the costumes.
Olivier Award-winning designer Lez Brotherston created the designs for a cast that includes a circus ringmaster, dancing snowflakes and The
Snow Queen herself.
Around 51 rolls of fabric – that’s 1,300 metres – were used to make the costumes.
Scottish Ballet launched a costume appeal, asking supporters to donate money to help fund the lavish creations.