Looking for information on tours for the Scottish Ballet, Scotland’s national dance company, for 2025? This article provides all the details on the top tours, including performance dates and venues. The national tour will feature various performances, ensuring that ballet enthusiasts across the country can enjoy the magic of Scottish Ballet.
Key Takeaways
- The Scottish Ballet 2025 tour features notable productions including ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ and ‘The Snow Queen’, each offering unique themes and stunning choreography, as part of their national tour.
- The Snow Queen will also be available as a live recording, allowing audiences to enjoy the performance from home.
- Audiences can engage with dancers through profiles and Q&A sessions, enhancing the connection between performers and fans.
- Scottish Ballet encourages public support via donations and studio class participation, helping sustain its performances and outreach initiatives.
Introduction to the National Dance Company
Scottish Ballet, Scotland’s National Dance Company, stands as a beacon of excellence in dance. Renowned for its award-winning productions and the exceptional talent of its ballet dancers, the company has carved out a significant place in the cultural landscape. As the UK’s fourth largest dance company, Scottish Ballet employs 36 professional dancers and 30 support staff, making it a powerhouse of creativity and performance.
With a rich history and a commitment to innovation, Scottish Ballet continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of traditional and contemporary ballet. Productions like ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ showcase the company’s ability to weave complex and captivating stories through dance, making it a must-see for fans of both ballet and theater.
Scottish Ballet’s dedication to making dance accessible to all is evident in its wide range of classes and workshops, catering to everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. The company’s studio, often photographed on blue and green backgrounds, is a hive of activity and creativity. Here, dancers can be seen perfecting their technique, with scenes of a male dancer with his arm extended or dancers bare-chested with red trousers, embodying the company’s emphasis on expressive movement and physicality.
The dancers perform with arms raised, exuding passion and energy that bring the company’s award-winning productions to life. As an LGBTQ+ friendly organization, Scottish Ballet welcomes dancers and audience members from all backgrounds, fostering a truly inclusive and vibrant community.
Mary, Queen of Scots Tour

The ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ tour is set to captivate audiences from August 15 to October 4, 2025. This highly anticipated production will grace the stages of the Edinburgh International Festival, Theatre Royal in Glasgow, Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, and His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.
With a running time of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, the performance promises to be a mesmerizing journey through history. As part of the national tour, this production will reach audiences across Scotland, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Its unique interpretation of the relationship between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I sets this performance apart. The choreography masterfully blends classical and modern styles, bringing a fresh perspective to the historical narrative. The visual elements, including the stunning costumes, significantly enhance the storytelling. Scottish Ballet’s Courts and Queens Costume Appeal seeks funding to ensure these costumes are as magnificent as the performance.
As the dancers bring to life the drama and intrigue of Mary, Queen of Scots’ story, audiences will be transported to a bygone era. The combination of exceptional choreography, historical themes, and exquisite costumes makes this tour a must-see for ballet lovers and history enthusiasts. Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary production.
The Snow Queen Journey
Following the historical drama of ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’, prepare to be enchanted by the magical world of ‘The Snow Queen’. This production will run from November 27, 2025, to January 31, 2026, taking audiences on a spellbinding journey through a winter wonderland. The performances will be held at multiple venues, ensuring that ballet enthusiasts nationwide can enjoy and experience this enchanting tale.
‘The Snow Queen’ explores the themes of a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, incorporating elements of an enchanted mirror that adds layers of mystery and magic to the story. The ballet’s intricate choreography and stunning visual effects create a captivating atmosphere that will leave audiences in awe. This production is not just a performance but an immersive experience that transports viewers to a world of ice and enchantment.
One of the highlights of this production is its live recording at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, allowing a broader audience to enjoy the magic of ‘The Snow Queen’ from the comfort of their homes. Whether you attend a live performance or watch the recording, ‘The Snow Queen’ will be a memorable addition to your holiday season.
Historical Inspirations
Scottish Ballet’s productions often draw inspiration from historical events and figures, adding depth and intrigue to their performances. A prime example is ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’, which delves into the complex and tumultuous relationship between Mary and Elizabeth I of England. By weaving historical narratives into their choreography, Scottish Ballet creates unique and captivating storylines that resonate with audiences.
The company’s connection to its national heritage is symbolized by the Scottish Government logo, underscoring its commitment to promoting Scottish culture and the arts. This dedication extends to their classes, which are scheduled for the next term and offer a range of opportunities for dancers to learn and grow, from absolute beginners to experienced professionals.
Staying connected with Scottish Ballet is easy through their Facebook page, where fans can enjoy the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of rehearsals and performances. In the studio, dancers can be seen honing their craft, preparing for enchanting productions like ‘The Snow Queen’.
With its award-winning productions and talented ballet dancers, Scottish Ballet offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all who enjoy the art of dance. Its status as a national dance company is a testament to its excellence and significant contribution to the dance world, making it a source of pride for Scotland and the UK.
Scottish Ballet’s dancers perform with unparalleled passion and energy, bringing each production to life and inspiring audiences with their talent and dedication. As a leading cultural institution, Scottish Ballet continues to entertain and inspire, making it a truly special experience for all who witness their performances.
Scottish Ballet’s National Tour Dates

In addition to ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ and ‘The Snow Queen’, Scottish Ballet’s national tour in 2025 promises to bring even more excitement to ballet enthusiasts across the country. One of the standout performances on this tour is ‘The Crucible’, which will run from April 17 to May 24, 2025. This powerful production will be showcased at various venues across Scotland, allowing a wide audience to experience its dramatic intensity.
As Scotland’s national dance company, Scottish Ballet is dedicated to inspiring audiences with diverse performances. The national tour provides an excellent opportunity for ballet dancers to showcase their talents and for audiences to enjoy world-class ballet in their local theatres. With a rich lineup of performances, this tour will surely highlight the 2025 cultural calendar.
Meet Our Dancers on Tour

One of the most exciting aspects of the Scottish Ballet tours is the opportunity to meet our talented dancers. Dancer profiles provide fascinating insights into the lives of these performers, including their bios, favorite repertoire, and dream roles, such as a dancer with an arm extended in performance. These profiles allow audiences to connect with the dancers personally, making the performances even more meaningful.
In addition to the dancer profiles, audiences can interact with the dancers through Q&A sessions. These sessions allow fans to ask questions and learn more about the dancers’ lives and careers. The engaging interactions create a more personal connection between the dancers and their audience, enhancing the overall experience.
Meeting our dancers and learning about their journeys helps audiences appreciate the artistry and dedication behind each performance. These interactions enrich the viewing experience and foster community between the dancers and their fans, especially when dancers perform.
Behind the Scenes: Touring Life

Behind the scenes, the life of a touring ballet dancer is filled with rigorous rehearsals and intense physical conditioning. Ballet dancers perform extensive rehearsals to perfect their performances, often refining their skills in various locations across Scotland. Maintaining physical fitness is crucial; dancers achieve this through regular exercise and conditioning routines while on the road.
The backstage moments during performances are a flurry of activity, with quick costume changes and intricate choreography that requires impeccable teamwork and timing. Each dancer has personal stories and experiences from the tour, sharing memorable moments that resonate with their artistic journey. These behind-the-scenes glimpses offer a unique perspective on the dedication and hard work that goes into each performance.
Touring also brings unique travel adventures as dancers move between cities and venues, adapting to new environments. These experiences enrich their lives, such as scenes of dancers bare-chested with red trousers, and enhance their performances, bringing a fresh energy to each show. The combination of rehearsals, concerts, and travel creates a dynamic and exciting touring life for the dancers.
Join Our Studio Classes
For those inspired by the performances and eager to try ballet themselves, Scottish Ballet offers studio classes for adults. The spring term for these classes runs from April 23 to June 28, 2025, catering to various skill levels from absolute beginners to advanced dancers. These classes are open to anyone aged 16 and above, allowing everyone to experience the joy of ballet in the next term.
Classes must be booked and paid for in advance since drop-in options are unavailable. By joining these classes, participants learn ballet techniques and become part of a community of ballet enthusiasts.
Scottish Ballet also offers a mailing list for fans to stay informed about their latest news, films, tours, and classes.
Support Scottish Ballet
Supporting Scottish Ballet is essential for the continuation of their inspiring work. Support methods include becoming a Free Friend, making general donations, and purchasing merchandise from the online shop. Donations are crucial for providing ballet dancers with essential pointe shoes, vital for their performance and safety.
Supporting Scottish Ballet contributes to their mission of inspiring audiences across Scotland and beyond. Whether through donations, purchasing merchandise, or becoming a Free Friend, your support helps ensure that Scottish Ballet can continue to bring world-class performances to the stage.
Award-Winning Dance Films

In addition to live performances, Scottish Ballet has made a significant impact through its award-winning dance films. These films include features, shorts, and behind-the-scenes content that explore themes such as relationships and information overload in modern life. The production of these films is co-created by choreographer Sophie Laplane and director James Bonas, with music composed by the same team that created the score for the successful 2022 production of ‘Coppélia’.
Contributions help finance the production of these dance films and promote choreographic talent within Scottish Ballet. By watching these films, audiences can enjoy the artistry of Scottish Ballet from the comfort of their homes while supporting the company’s creative endeavors.
Connect with Us
Staying connected with Scottish Ballet has never been easier. We actively engage with our audience through social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Fans can receive updates about upcoming performances, events, and classes by following us on these platforms.
Our social media presence also allows us to share behind-the-scenes content, dancer profiles, and exclusive insights into the world of ballet. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to ballet, following Scottish Ballet on social media is a great way to stay connected and enjoy our content.
Summary
In summary, 2025 promises to be an extraordinary year for Scottish Ballet. From the historical drama of ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ to the enchanting journey of ‘The Snow Queen’, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The national tour dates, dancer profiles, and behind-the-scenes insights provide a comprehensive look into the world of Scottish Ballet.
We invite you to join us on this journey, whether through attending performances, joining studio classes, or supporting us through donations and merchandise purchases. Together, we can continue to inspire and bring the magic of ballet to audiences across Scotland and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ tour take place?
The ‘Mary, Queen of Scots’ tour will take place from August 15 to October 4, 2025, at various venues across Scotland.
What is the theme of ‘The Snow Queen’?
The theme of ‘The Snow Queen’ revolves around a transformative journey enhanced by elements of magic and enchantment, ultimately revealing the power of love and resilience against adversity.
How can I support Scottish Ballet?
To support Scottish Ballet, you can become a Free Friend, make general donations, and purchase merchandise from their online shop. Your contributions will help sustain the company’s artistic endeavors.
Where can I find updates about Scottish Ballet’s performances and events?
To find updates about Scottish Ballet’s performances and events, follow them on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. This will ensure you receive timely information directly from the source.
Are there ballet classes available for beginners?
Yes, ballet classes are available for beginners, such as those offered by Scottish Ballet for absolute beginners.