Scottish Ballet makes moves at the Tramway
POLLOKSHIELDS has a new neighbour as Scottish Ballet has moved in to the Tramway.
The Extra was invited to a sneak preview of its new 11 million headquarters, based at the Tramway.
The final 1m was raised from public donations – to move the company from unsuitable accommodation in West Princes Street in the westend.
Scottish Ballet's chief executive, Cindy Sughrue, and Clive Albert from architects Malcolm Fraser led an exclusive tour.
The company's entrance is via staircase from the Tramway's entrance hall.
Cindy explained: "It was really important to us that we had a connection to the heart of Tramway; we didn't want a separate entrance on Pollokshaws Road, we wanted to be part of the community.
"Another part of the project was to regenerate other areas of the Tramway which were derelict or underused. This means we've also provided things like a new exhibition space, artist studios and a workroom for independent dance companies".
The project brings all Scottish Ballet's needs under the same roof for the first time; from an education centre, to wardrobe, set-building, administration and rehearsal space.
The work has transformed the Tramway's old stable rooms – where horses which pulled the Trams were housed – into studios and offices.
Architect Clive Albert said: "Because of this building we had wonderful, characterful spaces to work with.
"But that did create some problems; for example the old stables were sloped towards the middle to make it easier to clear out the mess, obviously not ideal to build a suitable dance surface.
"Wardrobe was one of the things which had been neglected in the old building so we spent a lot of time discussing what they needed.
"It was worked out down to the tiniest detail – for example every dancer needs 40 pairs of Pointe shoes, so each cubby-hole in the shoe room had to fit that amount in".
In the centre is a social space where the whole company can relax and interact.
Viewing windows allow a glimpse at set production work downstairs, and dance rehearsals upstairs at the Peter Darrell studio.
Named after Scottish Ballet's founder, is the biggest dance rehearsal space in Europe at 20x20m.
Clive added: "We have been involved with this project since first submitting our competition entry in 2005, so it's strange to be finally letting go.
"It's like leaving a friend. But it's also very exciting to finally see it being used properly by the dancers".
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Glasgow
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
