Daniel Davidson, born in Edinburgh, UK, trained at both The Dance School of Scotland and Millennium Dance 2000. He joined dance company Rambert in August 2014 after 8 years with Scottish Ballet, and since joining he has created roles in works by Alexander Whitley and Didy Veldman as well as performing The Rooster Man in Bruce’s Rooster. He has also danced in works by Jeyasingh, Brandstrup, Baldwin, Page and Cunningham.
Whilst at Scottish Ballet, Daniel created principal roles such as Petrushka in Petrushka at the Edinburgh International Festival and Don José in Richard Alston’s Carmen. He has originated works for choreographers such as Page, Alston, Caniparoli, Lawrence, Pastor and Petronio. Additionally, he performed in works by Forsythe, Ashton, MacMillan, Balanchine, Bourne, Bruce, Tharp, Brown and Elo as well as Mercutio in Pastor’s Romeo and Juliet.
Photo credit © Benedict Johnson
Have always wanted to be on stage?
My mum took me along to my first dance lesson in our local church when I was five and I loved it. I think I was around ten years old when I knew it was what I wanted to do for a living.
Where did you train, and what was it like?
I trained at The Dance School of Scotland… a boarding school in Glasgow where I trained in ballet and did my school studies alongside. After spending six years there, I moved to London where I trained at Millennium Dance 2000. My college was predominantly musical theatre based. As well as contemporary dance, I studied singing, acting, tap and jazz.
Describe a day in your life now.
I take class every morning for an hour and a half. Our classes alternate between ballet and contemporary so we can train equally in both. After class, we rehearse for two hours before lunch and for three hours after finishing at 6pm weekdays and 2pm on Saturdays. We rehearse pieces that we will be performing on our tours around the UK. Right now we are rehearsing three works for our performances at Sadler’s Wells in May.
What are you looking forward to most about the Sadler’s Wells Murder, Mystery and a Party programme?
I’m looking forward to premiering our new piece Tomorrow by Lucy Guerin. We’ve been working hard on it in the studio for around four weeks now. It’s been a very different kind of process than usual for us and I’m looking forward to hearing some feedback from the audience.
What are rehearsals like?
Rehearsal experiences vary depending on whether we’re rehearsing a new creation or an existing work. Right now I’m rehearsing one piece I’ve already danced, one existing work that I’ve not yet performed and one new creation. Each process is very different but equally rewarding. I would say that I enjoy being involved in new creations the most… I love the process of creating and collaborating with different choreographers.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Not really. I like to have a shower, put on my make up and have a stretch on stage before curtain up. Some dancers have a set routine and they’re slightly superstitious about their preparation but I’m not. I like to vary how I prepare.
What has been the defining moment of your career?
Performing the role of The Rooster Man in Christopher Bruce’s Rooster to a full house at Sadler’s Wells. It was an honour to dance such an iconic work. Definite career highlight.
What has been the most challenging?
Whilst with Scottish Ballet I danced many works by our director Ashley Page. His version of Sleeping Beauty was very hard and a wonderful challenge for a dancer. I danced the Bluebird… That was the most challenging of all roles for me. It was tricky, hard partnering, required a lot of stamina… Brilliant fun though!
What’s the most rewarding thing about dance?
The most rewarding thing is the performance. All of the hard work and preparation is absolutely worth it when you hear the audience’s applause and appreciation.
What’s the worst thing?
I wouldn’t say it’s the ‘worst’ thing but the hardest thing about dancing is the toll it takes on my body. Long hours can be tough too…
What is your advice to an aspiring dancer?
Work hard. Stick at it. Some days will be tough but some days will be so rewarding and fulfilling. Also, your taste will change… Don’t be afraid to keep trying new things.
Daniel Davidson will be performing at Sadler’s Wells from 10-14 May, as part of Rambert’s Murder Mystery and a Party. To find out more and to book tickets: http://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/2016/rambert-a-linha-curva-and-other-works/