McNicol Ballet Collective will be performing their brand-new production Here & Now at Hull City Hall (29 March), the Royal Academy of Music, London (5 April) and the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds (12 April).
Celebrating the 5th anniversary of McNicol Ballet Collective, Here & Now will feature 8 dancers who will perform highlights from the company’s previous dance works, including the critically acclaimed Of Silence, Moonbend, and Bates Beats, alongside the world premiere of a new work, choreographed by artistic director Andrew McNicol and set to a new score performed live.
McNicol Ballet Collective was founded by Andrew McNicol, “one of the UK’s most talented young choreographers” (Bachtrack) and is committed to creating new and collaborative work with a collective of artists. The company’s previous works have been performed at the Royal Opera House in London, across the North East, and at festivals including Latitude.
Ahead of the performances of Here & Now, we caught up with McNicol to find out more about the shows including what it’s like to be opening in McNicol’s hometown.
Q&A with Andrew McNicol
What can you tell us about your new production Here & Now?
Here & Now is a real celebration, showcasing highlights from our repertoire to date, alongside a brand-new creation. The programme honours our past work and signals our ambitions moving forward, in terms of commissioning new music, utilising the ballet language and presenting high production values. It’s a snapshot of where we are after 5 years of creation.
The programme sees us perform the world premiere of Liquid Life, set to a new score that we commissioned for the piece by Jeremy Birchall, that will be performed live by a string quartet. Alongside this will be highlights from our previous works, Moonbend, set to the music of visionary pop star Perfume Genius; Of Silence, an exploration of hop and belonging inspired by the compositions of Pēteris Vasks; and fan favourite Bates Beats, an exuberant display of the dancers’ strength and artistry set to music by Mason Bates.
How does it feel to be celebrating the 5th anniversary of McNicol Ballet Collective?
This is our opportunity to thank everyone who’s been part of our journey and to welcome new audiences and artists into all that we do.
My vision for the future is that the MBC establishes itself as a powerful partner and magnet for talent (both on and off stage). Commissioning new ballet-based works with extraordinary collaborators will continue to be at the heart of what we do. Working towards developing full length productions, with international touring potential is something we are very interested in realising.
Inspiring creativity and changing perceptions about ballet through our creative learning programmes will be a key part of our mission. Growing partnerships and collaborations with other organisations to extend the impact and reach will be an important part of our next chapter too! Onwards and upwards.
The first show takes place at Hull City Hall – how important was including your hometown in the tour?
Hull has an incredibly history of success when it comes to dancers, directors and artistic talent. Many have gone on to lead some of the world’s major companies. I think it’s important to champion that. I’m proud that MBC is Hull New Theatre’s first associate company, (the theatre I first performed at age 6), it demonstrates our commitment to developing and sharing work together over the longer term. In November last year, we had an incredible week-long residency at their state-of-the-art theatre to test lighting ideas and production values. We opened up our process to local schools and organisations and the reception was fantastic. It’s this exchange and ongoing engagement through the creative process that is key for us and helps build meaningful connections and momentum.
What can audiences expect from the shows?
I want audiences to have a really good time and leave the theatre wanting to come back to see more. This mixed programme offers a wide range in terms of music and highlights what ballet can look like today. Audiences will experience the brilliance, artistry and powerful physically of our extraordinary dancers and I hope, in some way, will be moved by the work that they see.
