Celebrating the 5th anniversary of McNicol Ballet Collective, Here & Now will feature 8 dancers who will perform highlights from the company’s previous dance works, including the critically acclaimed Of Silence, Moonbend, and Bates Beats, alongside the world premiere of a new work, choreographed by artistic director Andrew McNicol and set to a new score performed live. A Youngish Perspective holds this exclusive conversation with Andrew McNicol.
What inspired you to create the Here & Now mixed bill, and how does it reflect the McNicol Ballet Collective’s fifth anniversary?
Here & Now is a real celebration, showcasing highlights from our repertoire to date, alongside a brand-new creation. The programme honours our past work and signals our ambitions moving forward, in terms of commissioning new music, utilising the ballet language and presenting high production values. It’s a snapshot of where we are after 5 years of creation. This is our opportunity to thank everyone who’s been part of our journey and to welcome new audiences and artists into all that we do.
Can you share insights into the creative process behind the world premiere in Here & Now, including your collaboration with composer Jeremy Birchall and designer Louise Flanagan?
Jeremy and I first met in Chicago as we were both on the same programme at Joffrey Ballet and so we learned about each other’s work. Last summer, I invited Jeremy to be a mentor for a project the Collective launched, Compositions & Configurations. This project supported Composers and Choreographers to develop new work together. We spent a lot of time on that project, sharing thoughts about new music for dance. With this in mind, we thought it would be great to put all that learning into practise and create something new together.
Louise Flanagan has been an important collaborator from the early days. As a former dancer, she has a deep understanding about the nuances of designing for dance. Over time, we’ve developed a shared language that makes for an incredibly rewarding process. I’ll never forget some of the hilarious zoom meetings, trying fabric’s, testing ideas – it’s a lot of fun to work with Louise and her designs are always beautifully realised. I hope we have many more collaborations to come.
How significant is it for you to perform in your hometown of Hull, and how does this influence the collective’s connection with its audience?
Hull has an incredibly history of success when it comes to dancers, directors and artistic talent. Many have gone on to lead some of the world’s major companies. I think it’s important to champion that. I’m proud that MBC is Hull New Theatre’s first associate company, (the theatre I first performed at age 6), it demonstrates our commitment to developing and sharing work together over the longer term. In November, we had an incredible week-long residency at their state-of-the-art theatre to test lighting ideas and production values. We opened up our process to local schools and organisations and the reception was fantastic. It’s this exchange and ongoing engagement through the creative process that is key for us and helps build meaningful connections and momentum.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing Here & Now, particularly with the blend of fan-favourite works and a brand-new creation?
I want audiences to have a really good time and leave the theatre wanting to come back to see more. This mixed programme offers a wide range in terms of music and highlights what ballet can look like today. Audiences will experience the brilliance, artistry and powerful physically of our extraordinary dancers and I hope, in some way, will be moved by the work that they see.
Given the challenges facing independent companies today, how has McNicol Ballet Collective navigated this landscape while continuing to create new work?
We’ve focused on being agile and streamlined, so that we can respond to opportunities that arise with speed, whilst continuing to work strategically for future success. We scale up or down our activities depending on the given resources and we place a lot of focus on partnerships to optimise resources and realise shared aspirations.
Looking forward beyond this anniversary, what is your vision for the next chapter of McNicol Ballet Collective’s journey and repertoire development?
My vision is that the MBC establishes itself as a powerful partner and magnet for talent. (both on and off stage). Commissioning new ballet-based works with extraordinary collaborators will continue to be at the heart of what we do. Working towards developing full length productions, with international touring potential is something we are very interested in realising.
Inspiring creativity and changing perceptions about ballet through our creative learning programmes will be a key part of our mission. Growing partnerships and collaborations with other organisations to extend the impact and reach will be an important part of our next chapter too! Onwards and upwards.
Here & Now is touring at Hull City Hall (29 March), the Royal Academy of Music, London (5 April) and the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Leeds (12 April).