This year's Hogmanay festival in Edinburgh will premiere a Scottish, multicultural dance and music show "Off Kilter" created by Unique Events (organisers of the Edinburgh Hogmanay event), Dance Base, and the Festival Theatre with £343,000 funding from the Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund.
Off Kilter is described in a media release as "an accessible, fresh celebration of Scotland's eclectic, unique music and dance styles...it will promote Scottish dance and music, both contemporary and traditional to an international audience at home and abroad."
The production will premiere new works from world renowned choreographers Mark Morris and Scottish Ballet's artistic director Ashley Page. There will also be commissioned works from traditional dance expert Frank McConnell and Scottish Dance Theatre artistic director Janet Smith, with music from Martyn Bennett to Calvin Harris.
Off Kilter will debut at the Festival Theatre this Hogmanay before embarking on a Scottish tour from January 2010 which will see it performed in Glasgow, Perth, Inverness and Aberdeen.
Culture Minister Michael Russell said:
"Dance is an intrinsic part of Scotland's cultural identity. Off Kilter combines traditional Highland, ballet, hip-hop, Indian classical and contemporary dance - creating a spectacular showcase of styles that are alive and kicking in Scotland today.
Last year's Hogmanay introduced a special dance night in Edinburgh over three stages in the Grassmarket on the 30th December. The Dancin' featured traditional Scottish and modern dance from around the world, with a Bollywood inspired centrepiece show.
Morag Deyes, Artistic Director of Dance Base, who helped organise that event, said: "Off Kilter is a riotous assembly of the great talent inspired by, and living in Scotland. This great show reflects the energy and originality in music and dance which is experiencing a genuine renaissance right now."