Two tales for Scottish Ballet’s autumn show

The dance company presents The Rite of Spring — celebrating its 100th anniversary this year — and Elite Syncopations, both at the Theatre Royal September 26-28.

The first, a rather intense piece, was originally created for the Atlanta Ballet, set to a Stravinsky score (which will be performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra) and telling a tale of human sacrifice, violence, obedience and domination.

Artistic director Christopher Hampson explained: “The Rite of Spring changed the way dance moved forward. Stravinsky’s score was an assault on the senses and Nijinsky’s original choreography inverted every tradition of ballet.

“Even though the story is complex and layered, there is a great simplicity in its composition and themes and I wanted to present this in a way that was relevant today. While my production differs greatly to the original (it involves three people as opposed to a large ensemble cast) it still explores rites and sacrifice, but is based around a story of two brothers.”

The darkness of the first piece is in direct contrast with Kenneth MacMillan’s Elite Syncopations — a carnival of colourful characters featuring the entire company.

The costumes — hand-crafted by designer Ian Spurling — are designed to complement ragtime composer Scott Joplin’s work, and there’s a 20s social dance theme throughout, so expect inspiration from the Charleston and the like.