Hamilton College Pupil Kasim is a Christmas Cracker with Scottish Ballet Hamilton

Hamilton College Pupil Kasim is a Christmas Cracker with Scottish Ballet

He will perform in a production of The Snow Queen at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow and Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre.

Hamilton College pupil Kasim Jalil was jumping for joy after being selected to perform in Scottish Ballet’s Christmas production of The Snow Queen.

The 10-year-old will take to the stage alongside rising star and former Hamilton College pupil Charley Austin when Scotland’s national dance company takes its festive production to the Theatre Royal in Glasgow and Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre.

And the opportunity arose after the youngster successfully auditioned for Scottish Ballet’s Associate Programme, which offers training for young dancers in classical ballet and related disciplines.

Kasim, who has already performed for Scottish Conservatoire at the Anthenaeum Theatre in Glasgow, was introduced to ballet at Hamilton College. He went on to join the Elen Brandao School of Dance in Hamilton and was swiftly accepted into Scottish Conservatoire Junior Associates.

His involvement with the local dance school reinforces the close ties that owner Elen has with Hamilton College, her two children attending the school while her dancers have previously performed there.

Kasim’s involvement in The Snow Queen will see him perform for two months through to mid-January, Kasim having the full support of Hamilton College who have created a bespoke timetable to allow him to balance a busy performing schedule with academic studies and school events.

Following in Charley’s footsteps, Kasim created a bit of history when becoming the youngest Scottish applicant accepted into the Royal Ballet Associate programme, giving him opportunities to train and perform with the prestigious Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden.

For Charley himself, it’s been something of an emotional homecoming.

After leaving Hamilton College, he went on to graduate from the English National Ballet School in London before 2020 saw him join Ballet du Capitole at the Opéra national du Capitole in Toulouse, France, for five seasons before beginning a new chapter this year with Scottish Ballet.

Jenny Paterson, head of Hamilton College Junior School, said: “Kasim’s achievement is a wonderful example of what can happen when a child’s talent is nurtured and supported.

“We are incredibly proud of him, and it has been a joy to watch his confidence and passion for dance flourish. We’re delighted to support him as he takes to the stage this Christmas and couldn’t be prouder of all he has accomplished.”

Hamilton College pupil Kasim is a Christmas cracker with Scottish Ballet - Daily Record