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Oriental tour for Scottish Ballet
22/04/2009
As Scottish Ballet prepares for the first night of 'Carmen' in Edinburgh, it has been revealed that the national dance company will take two of its productions to China in May.
The Scottish Government is providing £100,000 from its International Touring Fund, allowing a tour of 'Carmen' and 'Pennies from Heaven' to Nanjing, Shanghai and Beijing.
Both shows have been created exclusively for Scottish Ballet - the brand new 'Carmen' by renowned choreographer Richard Alston, and 'Pennies from Heaven' by Scottish Ballet's Artistic Director Ashley Page. 
Announcing the funding at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, ahead of the curtain coming up on 'Carmen', Culture Minister Michael Russell said:
"This tour is a great opportunity for the international reputations of both Scottish Ballet and Scotland. Not only will the company be showcasing the incredible talent of Scotland's dancers, musicians and technicians, this tour presents a modern, fresh and creative Scotland on the international stage.
"I wish the whole Scottish Ballet company well on its tour. Scotland's national performing companies are fantastic ambassadors and that is exactly why we provide support for international touring of this kind."
Cindy Sughrue, Scottish Ballet's Chief Executive/Executive Producer, said:
"We are delighted to support the Scottish Government in developing its relationship with China, and are thrilled to be flying the flag for Scotland in China during this, our 40th anniversary year, and the Year of Homecoming."
Scottish Ballet's China Tour will comprise performances as follows:
- May 19, 2009 - People's Hall, Nanjing
- May 22 and 23, 2009 - Grand Theatre, Shanghai
- May 26 and 27, 2009 - Poly Plaza, Beijing
'Carmen' was at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from April 15-18, 2009. It will be at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from April 22-25, and Aberdeen's His Majesty's Theatre from April 29 to May 2. The Scottish tour concludes with performances at the Eden Court Theatre, Inverness from May 6-9.
All five National Performing Companies - the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS), Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), Scottish Ballet, Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) and Scottish Opera - are eligible to apply for support from the £350,000 International Touring Fund. Recent allocations have supported the NTS's USA tours with Black Watch and The Bacchae, the SCO's India Tour and the RSNO's tour to Spain.