The first Choreographic Award took place in the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow on October 3^rd 1998.

Three shortlisted choreographers Michael Keegan-Dolan, Jane Jewell and Stephen Hughes worked for three weeks with the dancers of Scottish Ballet and a Mentor, Robert Cohan. Their work was judged by an international judging panel and the winner was Stephen Hughes with "Here Comes Renard" a ballet for six dancers set to Stravinsky music.

"..their work made a rewarding triple bill: it may have been more by luck than judgment, but the evening had shape as well as a real sense of excitement.

Michael Keegan-Dolan's Ephemera was set to Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden' quartet variations, its theme, the corroding of two innocent young lovers by a couple of dark, more experienced figures.

Jane Jewell's Aspire had a punning title, a witty narrative - very oblique and imaginative about Cleopatra and Antony - and its central figure was (suddenly we understand the title) the Asp!

Stephen Hughes' Here comes Renard was set to Stravinsky's score, was jokey, very up to date ... the pace was fast, the dance bright. This piece won the cash award, but it is worth saying again what we said as judges at the time, that the real award and the real winners were the three creators who had the chance to make a dance with a professional company and with all the support and facilities that this implies."

The Award has been welcomed by many in the dance world and was seen as an important step forward for choreographic creativity in the UK.

The Peter Darrell Trust gratefully acknowledges support from:

Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Fund
Edinburgh City Council
Blue Peach Creative Communication