Scotland’s flagship contemporary dance company, Scottish Dance Theatre, unveils its 2026 season, marking 40 years of bold, innovative dance.  

With an impressive programme of new works by Scottish-based and international talent, the season features the world-premiere of three new works by Edinburgh-based choreographer Tess Letham and internationally acclaimed choreographers Emilie Leriche and Edouard Hue, as well as a new performance created in collaboration with local communities in Dundee and led by Dance Artist and choreographer Bridie Gane. The season will also see the launch of Scottish Dance Theatre’s 40-year archive, developed in collaboration with Dr Andy Henry from Queen Margaret University, and will culminate in a special Anniversary Gala at Dundee Rep Theatre. The event will bring artists, audiences and communities together to celebrate the company’s grassroots beginnings, artistic legacy and civic impact. 

Launching the anniversary season on 12 March, Scottish Dance Theatre presents the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture. First performed at Celtic Connections in 2025, O Chiadain An Lo, by Scottish Dance Theatre’s own Artistic DirectorJoan Clevillé, takes inspiration from ancient melodies unearthed from 18th century manuscripts, reflecting the haunting beauty of Scottish Highland bogs and wetlands. Blending dance and Scottish Trad music, this haunting piece features music by Skye piper Brìghde Chaimbeul.Off-Season, a brand-new creation by Edinburgh-based choreographer Tess Letham moves through in-between places, where vulnerability meets imagination, sincerity weaves through the surreal, and the search for meaning becomes unpredictable. Rounding off the evening with the return of an audience favourite, internationally acclaimed choreographerSofia Nappi’s Moving Cloud is a joyous and exhilarating meeting of contemporary dance and folk music featuring an irresistible musical score of Scottish folk music by Glasgow-based band, TRIP. Scottish Roots has its world premiere at CANVAS, Dundee on 12 March followed by a tour to community venues and small-scale theatres across rural areas in Scotland.  

Scottish Dance Theatre returns to its home stage at Dundee Rep in June with the world premiere of a new double bill by two internationally acclaimed choreographers, reflecting the company's outward-looking identity. Emilie Leriche (USA/Sweden)’s work is infused with poetic, slow-burning choreography that lingers in moments of connection, intimacy, and quiet emotional depth. In sharp contrast, Edouard Hue (Switzerland) brings a raw, punchy physicality, charged with power. The 40th Anniversary Double Bill also returns to the Dundee Rep stage on 30 October as part of a UK-wide Autumn tour including some of the major dance venues in the country: The Place, London, Lowry, Manchester, Eden Court, Inverness and Riley Theatre, Leeds.  

 Anniversary celebrations will continue in the summer with RECollect, a new work created with and performed by local communities in collaboration with dance tutors and choreographer Bridie Gane. Inspired by Scottish Dance Theatre's archive, RECollect promises a celebratory evening of dance for everyone, will take over the stage of Dundee Rep on 26-27 June. 

The company will be back on the road in September with Ray and Little Ray, two intimate and personal performances that celebrate the power of movement and dance to bring us together. Originally created byMeytal Blanarufor Scottish Dance Theatre in 2022, Ray has since been reimagined with the support of Starcatchers as Little Ray, an early years companion piece designed for children 3-5 and their caregivers. The works will tour to small scale and rural venues across Scotland including Scottish Dance theatre’s studio at Dundee Rep (10-12 September), Findhorn Bay Arts Festival (26 September) and Pitlochry Festival Theatre (15 September) amongst others. 

On 31 October, Scottish Dance Theatre invites artists, audiences and communities who have shaped four decades of shared history to come together in a special Anniversary Gala to celebrate the company’s legacy and look forward to its future. Expect an evening of rich and vibrant dance performances featuring special guest appearances, a festive reception and plenty of great moves on the dance floor until the wee hours! 

Joan Clevillé, Artistic Director of Scottish Dance Theatre said:

“For 40 years, Scottish Dance Theatre has acted as a bridge between Scotland and the world, with dance connecting people, ideas and cultures across borders.  

Rooted at Dundee Rep, the company has been a creative home for hundreds of dance artists and a vital part of Scotland’s dance ecology, nurturing talent and contributing to the growth of the sector nationally and internationally.  

We have also witnessed the transformative power of dance in communities in Dundee, across Scotland and around the world — whether experienced in a theatre, a village hall, a dance workshop, or a shared cup of tea during the interval.  

At a time of growing division and uncertainty, I believe deeply in the body as a site of discovery, empathy and change, offering generous and imaginative ways of being together that support the world we want to build. I’m incredibly proud of our journey so far and look forward to sharing this anniversary year — celebrating our past, present and future — with our audiences, communities and supporters.”  

Kath M Mainland, Executive Director of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre said: 

“Celebrating 40 years of extraordinary artistic achievement by Scottish Dance Theatre is a powerful reminder of the impact this extraordinary company has had in Dundee and far beyond. 

Our 2026 programme showcases the rich artistic legacy and influence of the company’s first four decades and paints a vivid picture of what is possible when artists and audiences are supported to develop, make and present work. 

The public support we have received over 40 years plays a vital role in enabling this work to thrive and deliver lasting benefits for communities and audiences alike and we thank all our funders and supporters. 

I thank Joan and all the dancers for their talent, energy and commitment and look forward to celebrating this milestone year with audiences right across the United Kingdom.” 

 
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre remain committed to making dance and theatre as accessible to as many people as possible and have expanded their pricing to offer greater choice, flexibility and affordability for audiences. This includes £15 tickets for every Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre production at Dundee Rep as well as £5 preview tickets for under 30s. Furthermore, a new free ticket initiative will allocate tickets across the 2026 season to individuals and communities with limited access to the arts, ensuring opportunities for everyone to experience live performance. 

Across Scottish Dance Theatre’s 2026 season, the company will also be offering a selection of free community experiences outside of Dundee Rep Theatre, inviting audiences into their local spaces to experience a celebration through movement. Scottish Dance Theatre is committed to continuing to be a creative hub supporting artists develop their craft; this year is no different. Throughout the year, there will be opportunities for professional and non-professional dancers to work with the company and create. Further details of these experiences and activities will be released throughout the year via Scottish Dance Theatre’s social media channels.