Storytelling through dance
“I’m particularly interested in the idea of storytelling through dance. Since performing in Hamlet – a ballet/acting-fusion production – at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I have been exploring this idea further.
I thrive as a performer when I can discover true meaning behind my movements and my relationship with each person on stage.
I would love to be part of other productions where I can bring more stories to life. I have always tried to get across to people that dance is not just a rarefied art. It’s important for me to entertain and inspire people from all walks of life. Growing up, I was lucky enough to be taken to all sorts of performances, and this has left me with a strong desire to inspire new audiences in the same way.”
In the press – Hamlet, with Ian McKellen – August 2022 at the Edinburgh Fringe
…it was refreshing to see artists from different genres pushing and testing each other. Schaufuss’s choreography hinted at unusual depths of passion between the prince and Katie Rose’s willowy Ophelia.
thetimes.co.uk
Katie Rose as Ophelia is a standout performer with her mime and movement delivering a disturbing insight into Ophelia’s struggles and descent into madness.
jonathanbaz.com
The relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia (a delicate performance by Katie Rose), often marginalised in the play for reasons of plot, is completely emotionally present in their pas de deux.
scotsman.com
Some performances are worth particular mention, especially that of Katie Rose who takes on the role of Ophelia. Her lyrical movements express an endearing sophistication and naivety. The relationship between her and young Hamlet is perhaps the clearest and most sincere as it blossoms and crumbles.
alledinburghtheatre.com
…and @katierose.whincop is one of the most beautiful Ophelias I’ve ever seen, such an incredible dancer
@toributlerhart
The (other) undisputed star of the show is Katie Rose as Ophelia. We don’t live in an age where it would be appropriate to write that she is more beautiful than the yellow glow of a taxi light coming down an empty street after hours, so I won’t. Or that she’s more graceful than a… I actually can’t think of anything more graceful than Katie Rose right now, so I’ll have to come back to this line. It’s an extraordinary accomplishment by this early alumnus of Edinburgh Festival Ballet that when you’ve got two Hamlets for the price of one, you’ve got a performer who can tip the scales of the storytelling so decisively in Ophelia’s favour.
getyourcoatson.com
About Katie Rose
Born in Melrose, Scotland, Katie Rose started dancing at the age of three.
When she was 15, she was selected to represent the Manor School of Ballet as a Scholar.
At 16, she joined the Edinburgh Festival Ballet School. There, she undertook three years of full-time professional training, working with Peter and Luke Schaufuss, and graduated in 2022.
Prior to graduating, Katie Rose performed in the Edinburgh Festival Ballet Company’s International Tour of the Nutcracker 2021, as the female role in the ‘Russian Couple’.
Thanks to her strong focus and determination, she landed a principal role as Ophelia in Edinburgh Festival Ballet Company’s dance adaptation of Hamlet, starring Sir Ian McKellen, which ran for 32 performances on the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2022.
Rehearsing with and learning from Ian McKellen and finding ways to explore and express what her character, Ophelia, was going through was a wonderful experience, and Ian’s generosity of self, presence, insights, wisdom, and humour were all invaluable.
Having graduated from Edinburgh Festival Ballet School, she is now working freelance and is available for dancing and modelling work.
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