HITN Highlands & Islands Theatre Network

BALLET WEST

Ichrachan House
Taynuilt
Argyll
PA35 1HP

Telephone – 01866 822641
Fax - 01866 822020
E-mail – balletwest@btconnect.com
Website - www.balletwest.co.uk
Director – Gillian Barton
Patron - Billy Connolly
Contact - Mike Rowell
Formed - 1991

 

Sara-Maria Barton and Jonathon Barton in Coppélia
Sara-Maria Barton and Jonathon Barton in Coppélia
© Bill Cooper

Background/Aims
Ballet West is Scotland's national centre for young dancer development. It is primarily a youth company committed to performing professional quality classical work to as wide a range of people as possible. Ballet West undertake semi-professional productions, outreach, summer and school workshops and have an on-site ballet school.

Forthcoming Productions

COPPÉLIA

December  2004 - Feb 2005

The ballet tells the story of Coppélia, a doll made by old Dr Coppélius that is so life-like and beautiful that all the people in Dr Coppélius' village believe her to be real.  Swanilda, the heroine of the story tries to make friends with what appears to be a lonely and quiet girl and is annoyed when she is ignored. She is further enraged when she sees her boyfriend, Franz, flirting with this beautiful girl and having his affections repaid with a kiss.

Unaware that the other has the same idea, both Franz and Swanilda separately sneak into Dr Coppélius' workshop at night to discover the truth behind the mysterious and beautiful Coppélia, with unexpected consequences for all concerned.

“Coppélia” will build on the reputation of Ballet West in bringing professional quality, classical ballet to venues throughout Scotland.

The principal roles of both works will be performed by Sara-Maria Barton partnered by her brother Jonathan. These principals are Adeline Genée medallists and have performed with companies such as Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and Scottish Ballet and were received with critical acclaim for their performances in "The Nutcracker" & “Swan Lake” last year.

“Ballet West… Dancing with panache and professionalism”
 - Perthshire Advertiser
 

COPPELIA DATES

15 & 16 December, Corran Halls, Oban 7.30pm £10/7 Tel: 01631 567333
14 January, Perth Theatre, Perth, 7.30pm £12/8 Tel: 01738 621031
15 January, Perth Theatre, Perth, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £12/8 Tel: 01738 621031
22 January, macrobert , Stirling, 8pm, £9/6 Tel: 01786 466666
3 February, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, 7.30pm, £9/6 Tel: 01506 433634
4 & 5 February, Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld, 7.45pm, £9/7 Tel: 01236 732887
19 February, Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock, 7.30pm, £7.50/6 Tel: 01563 554900
 

Sara-Maria Barton in Coppélia
Sara-Maria Barton in Coppélia
© Bill Cooper


Holiday Schools
Ballet West offers short courses of intensive dance training in the idyllic surroundings of Ichrachan House, Taynuilt. While attending the holiday courses, students stay in comfortable accommodation close to the studio.

 

Aspiring Professionals' Classes
Ballet West has run very successful Aspiring Professional classes in Edinburgh and Glasgow for several years. In 2002, they developed the programme to include classes in Perth and Aberdeen. In all venues the courses involve classes in ballet and jazz aimed specifically at talented students who aspire to a career in professional dance or who would enjoy and benefit from a series of classes with top class professionals. Classes are given on Sundays every month from September  to June.
 
Sara Maria & Jonathan Barton from I Palpiti
Sara Maria & Jonathan Barton from I Palpiti
© Bill Cooper

 


 

Recent Previous Productions

2003
The Nutcracker

2002
FAME - The Musical
In association with The Nicolson Institute, Stornoway

'Perform is what the new musical "FAME" does, dance number after exhilarating dance number, song after sweet song, never losing sight of its mission to entertain. . . a nice sensitivity to the condition of being young and hopeful and gifted. . . Exhilarating!'
More info. . .
 

Jonathan Barton  from Upstage
Jonathan Barton from Upstage
© Bill Cooper

Sleeping Beauty
Romeo & Juliet

"Ballet West bring the greatest sense of professionalism to their shows" Highland News

"'The Lion King' performance was, quite simply, fantastic. . . a masterpiece of commitment, co-operation and enthusiasm" Stornoway Gazette

"This youth company. . . left me spellbound" Forres Gazette
 

Swan Lake
Swan Lake
© Bill Cooper

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sara-Maria Barton  from Upstage
Sara-Maria Barton from Upstage
© Bill Cooper