Scottish Ballet Twice-Born
Play TrailerEpic myths and jazzy wit from two dance visionaries.
Twice-Born is a groundbreaking Scottish Ballet commission by Olivier-Award-winning choreographer, composer, and world-renowned dancer, Dickson Mbi. Celebrated for blending the physicality of hip-hop with the fluidity of contemporary dance, Mbi has made waves across the globe. Mbi was last seen at Sadler’s Wells in 2022 with his dynamic solo, Enowate.
Mbi draws inspiration from ancient parables to create an epic narrative, set in another world where matriarchal figures are sacrificed and reborn. Mbi has also composed the dramatic, tender and emotive score for the work, recorded by some of the world’s finest musicians including soprano Lucy Crowe and percussionist Beibei Wang. The large ensemble of dancers moves to Mbi’s music with breathtaking synchronicity, delivering an intense, awe-inspiring spectacle that will leave audiences spellbound.
The evening opens with Schachmatt (Checkmate!), a high-energy ballet by acclaimed choreographer Cayetano Soto. This 20-minute gem, inspired by Joan Rivers, Pedro Almodóvar, and Bob Fosse, features dancers performing with razor-sharp precision and humour on a giant chessboard to a retro pop soundtrack. Prepare to be wowed and amused.
Header image description: A row of performers stands against a rocky background, arranged in a line from front to back, with only their arms visible, all positioned to the side. The front performer looks directly at the camera with a strong, fierce expression.
Jaw-dropping…the sheer spectacle is overwhelmingly intense
★★★★ THE STAGE on Twice-Born
An exhilarating, epic piece
★★★★★ THE LIST on Twice-Born
Heartstopping…a monumental, mythic piece
★★★★ BACHTRACK on Twice-Born
THE SCOTSMAN on Schachmatt
FJORD REVIEW on Schachmatt
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