Dundee-based Scottish Dance Theatre unveils bold 2026 season to mark 40th anniversary

The Scottish Dance Theatre began operating in 1986 (Picture: Supplied)

Scotland’s flagship contemporary dance company Scottish Dance Theatre has unveiled its 2026 season, marking 40 years of bold and innovative work rooted in Dundee and shared with audiences across Scotland and beyond.

The anniversary programme features an ambitious mix of world premieres, returning favourites and community-led performances. Three new works will premiere during the year from choreographers Tess Letham, Emilie Leriche and Edouard Hue, alongside a large-scale community performance created with local people in Dundee.

The season will culminate in a special 40th Anniversary Gala at Dundee Rep Theatre, bringing artists, audiences and communities together to celebrate the company’s legacy.

The anniversary season launches on 12 March with the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill at CANVAS. The programme explores the relationship between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture and includes a new work by Artistic Director Joan Clevillé inspired by historic Scottish melodies, a brand-new piece by Edinburgh-based choreographer Tess Letham, and the return of audience favourite Moving Cloud by Sofia Nappi. Following its Dundee premiere, Scottish Roots will tour community venues and small-scale theatres across Scotland.

Scottish Dance Theatre will return to its home stage at Dundee Rep in June with a 40th Anniversary Double Bill featuring new creations by Emilie Leriche and Edouard Hue. The contrasting works reflect the company’s international outlook and will later tour major dance venues across the UK as part of an autumn programme.

Community collaboration remains a central part of the anniversary year. In June, RECollect will take over the stage at Dundee Rep, bringing together local participants and professional artists in a celebratory performance inspired by the company’s archive.

Later in the year, Scottish Dance Theatre will tour Ray and Little Ray, intimate performances designed for both adults and young children, to venues across Scotland including Dundee, Pitlochry and Findhorn.

The season also marks the launch of Scottish Dance Theatre’s 40-year archive, developed in collaboration with Queen Margaret University, offering new insight into the company’s artistic journey since its founding in 1986.

Alongside the performances, the company has expanded its pricing and free ticket initiatives to improve access, ensuring more people can experience live dance during the anniversary year.

Artistic Director Joan Clevillé said the anniversary is a moment to reflect on the power of dance to connect people across communities and cultures, while looking ahead to the future.

Executive Director Kath M Mainland added that the 2026 programme celebrates four decades of artistic achievement while highlighting the role public support has played in sustaining the company’s work in Dundee and across the UK.