Boys in Ballet: Meet Duncan

As part of 'Get Scotland Dancing', we have a "Bring a boy to Ballet" week, 10-16 March. Meet one of our former students, Duncan...

Get Scotland Dancing is a nationwide initiative with a number of dance events running throughout the year and across the country, including "Get Dancin" offering free dance classes across Scotland. Our 'Bring a boy' week hopes to introduce boys to the world of dance as a fun and energetic activity.

Meet our boys...

We are especially proud of our male dance students and, as part of 'Get Dancin' week, would like to highlight their achievements, dedication and determination.

Meet Duncan Anderson (18) who is has been training full-time in dance since he was 12...

• When did you start dancing? I started dancing when I attended my first ballet class with Amanda in the Community Centre in South Queensferry when I was 9 years old which was half my life time ago. I was fortunate because Andrew Coleman was already in the class so I was not the only boy.
• What other training have you had? As well as dancing with Central Scotland Ballet School I have trained as a Scottish Ballet junior associate, then attended the Dance School of Scotland, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, and Central School of Ballet in London.
• Where are you training now? I am in my third and final year at Central School of Ballet in London and about to start the Ballet Central Tour which will finish at the same time as I finish my degree in Professional Dance and Performance in July.
• Are there many other boys dancing? As I have gone through each stage of my training the number of boys in my classes has increased until now where I am in a class with another 14 boys. Boys are also often taught seperately from the girls as the emphasis is on strength and stamina. I have been taught by many inspirational teachers, many of them men who have encouraged me and motivated me to be the best dancer I can be.
• Do you train in more than ballet? Since my third year at the Dance School of Scotland I have focussed on contemporary dance and this is the route I hope my career will follow when I graduate in July. Contemporary dance suits my attributes as a male dancer of physical strength and musicality.
• Do you have any memorable experiences? Through dance I have had some fantastic experiences and met some amazing people including working with choreographers such as Christopher Bruce. I have performed in a range of performance spaces ranging from the steps of St Paul's cathedral to the Linbury Studio at the Royal Opera House. I have participated in many performances with my schools and companies including the Suzanne Farrell Ballet Company, the Birmingham Rep and most recently with the Richard Chappell Dance Company.
• Any advice for boys a bit shy about taking their first step into a ballet studio? I am about to embark on the next stage of my dance life but whatever happens next I will never regret my first ballet lesson and the life it has given me. Dancing is hard; it involves working long hours and living away from friends and family. However, it is a great feeling to do something you love and to work with hard working and creative people.

Well done Duncan - we are so proud of you! If anyone would like to see Duncan perform, try and catch the Ballet Central tour! (A couple of photos below)