Our Mission

To entertain and communicate by creating emotional and highly visual dance, and by developing experimental and thought-provoking education projects.

The X Factor Dance Company was formed in 1990 by artistic director Alan Greig.  An immediate impact was made on the Scottish dance scene with The Guardian enthusing that the debut show was "wonderfully refreshing".  X Factor has firmly remained as one of Scotland's consistently innovative and thought-provoking dance companies, enthralling critics and audiences alike with their unique repertory of work.

"Alan Greig has been surprising and entertaining in equal measures over the last decade"

The Metro

The X Factor appeal lies in the ability to communicate with the audience by confronting real and universal issues with intelligence and humour.  Greig's work is rich in collaboration with writers, lighting designers and specially commissioned sound scores.  His choreography has explored a wide variety of subjects, drawing inspiration from movies, music and the complexities of emotional and sexual relationships.

"Greig's works are meaningful, accessible and evocative"

The Guardian

The X Factor has an eclectic and inventive repertory of works which includes Standing Room Only (1992) a high speed site specific promenade, Sexual (1997) a controversial exploration of gay sex addiction, Unspoken (2000) a celebratory duet of sensual beauty and humour, The Dearly Departed (2002), a fascinating look at the various religious beliefs on what happens after death, Echoes (2004), nine previous productions woven into a fresh and compelling new performance, Uncanny (2005), a celebration of the weird and the wonderful and Person or persons unknown (2007) a short film set in the mercurial world of dreams. X Factor is always alive to change and development and in 2005 invited its first guest choreographer to create work, internationally renowned New Yorker Stephen Petronio.  In 2006 maverick black choreographer Colin Poole made Smoke for the company and in 2007 award-winning French choreographer Philippe Decouflé made Morceaux Choisis.

"The power of dance to weave new worlds has been harnessed beautifully by X Factor...rich and unforgettable work"