Scottish Ballet’s First Artist Sophie Laplane is hanging up her pointe shoes, but will remain with the Company in the newly-created role of Artist In Residence.
Sophie joined Scottish Ballet in 2004, and was promoted to First Artist in 2011. She has choreographed a number of works for the Company, which have been presented at the Edinburgh International Festival and at large scale theatres across Scotland.
Sophie’s final curtain as a dancer marks her decision to devote her energies to choreography full-time, “There have been so many highlights in my time at Scottish Ballet. Joining the company was a huge one for a start, but as a dancer three of my fondest memories were to play Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire on tour in New Orleans (the home town of the story), perform in Crystal Pite’s ‘Emergence’ with the power of the full company on stage, and being part of Ivgi and Greben’s poignant Each Other at Tramway. As a choreographer I felt blessed to get the chance to showcase my work Oxymore, Maze, and Sibilo, and play a part in the promo for Kathryn Joseph’s The Bird video.”
Scottish Ballet CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson:
“I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Sophie Laplane as Artist in Residence at Scottish Ballet. Sophie’s development over the past few years as a choreographer, both on stage and film, has been of great value to Scottish Ballet. I’m particularly delighted that, as Sophie transitions from her life on stage to develop her own creative language, Scottish Ballet will remain part of that journey. Diversity and balance has always been visible in our programming and creative opportunities – I’m thrilled this can continue with Sophie’s appointment.”
You can listen to Sophie talking about her choreography on our podcast.