Edinburgh dancers cast in international production of Romeo and Juliet

Three former EDA pupils return to Edinburgh for UK tour of Romeo and Juliet

Three aspiring Edinburgh dancers who landed dream roles with the internationally-renowned New Adventures Dance Company are back in the capital this week as cast members of the group’s production of Romeo & Juliet.

The local performers, Rory McLeod, Carla Contini, and Leonardo McCorkindale, all former pupils of leading dance school Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA), are performing in the Scottish capital this week as part of the show’s international tour.

The Scottish trio have all been recruited by the iconic and ground-breaking New Adventures, set up by one of Britian’s most innovative choreographers, Sir Matthew Bourne.

22-year-old Rory joined the company in 2021 after attending Laine Theatre Arts dance school in Surrey and made his cameo appearance in New Adventure’s Nutcracker! in April last year.

Meanwhile, Leonardo, aged 20, and Carla (19) were taken on by the company earlier this year after graduating from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire. Their performance in Romeo and Juliet, which is currently on a UK tour before moving on to Europe and the US early next year, marks their New Adventures debut.

New Adventures has received numerous international awards and has won six Olivier Awards which recognise excellence in London’s professional theatre circuit. The company’s repertoire has inspired and thrilled millions of people worldwide.

During their five-day at the Festival Theatre, the three Edinburgh dancers were reunited with EDA’s Julie Mitchell and Jenny Inglis, both of whom were former dance teachers to the trio while they were growing up in the city.

Julie Mitchell said: “We are so delighted with the progress of our three former pupils, who are now part of this international production being staged by one of the world’s leading dance companies.

“While Rory, Carla, and Leonardo all developed their dance talent as youngsters, it has been their drive and commitment that has led them to becoming part of Matthew Bourne’s prestigious New Adventures company.

“We’ve very proud of all three and we wish them every success with their careers going forward.”