When Fallon Robertson sent a speculative email to Crossbasket Castle, she wasn’t even sure if there was a role for her. All she knew was that a luxury entertainment-led restaurant was about to launch and she wanted to be part of it. Fast forward a few months, and Fallon is now the Artistic Director of Trocadero’s, the castle’s glamorous new dining and performance venue, working with a cast of dancers to bring professional cabaret-style shows to Scotland.
At just 28, the Cambuslang-born choreographer has gone from life at sea performing on cruise ships to leading one of the country’s most exciting new creative stages. Here, she shares her career journey so far – from international residencies to creating opportunities for Scottish dancers back home.
Early beginnings
“I’ve been dancing since I was tiny – it’s always been the thing that lights me up,” Fallon explains. After training, she spent the best part of a decade performing internationally. Cruise ships with Costa Cruises, classic cabaret in Strasbourg and Stuttgart, residencies in Budapest – her career took her across Europe and the Indian Ocean.
“It was incredible, but also transient. You’re always on the move, always waiting for the next contract. I loved performing, but I knew one day I’d want to create something more lasting.”
The email that changed everything
When she returned to Scotland, Fallon started hearing whispers about Crossbasket Castle’s ambitious £20 million expansion – and in particular, a restaurant and entertainment venue called Trocadero’s, inspired by the legendary Hamilton dance hall.
“I didn’t know if there was even a job going,” Fallon recalls. “I just thought, why not? I wrote them an email detailing my experience and within days I was invited in for a chat. The team were so warm and welcoming – it all just clicked.”
By March 2025, Fallon was leading auditions inside the castle itself. Expecting a modest turnout, she was stunned when more than 50 dancers arrived. From that first audition, 16 were selected to form the founding troupe.
A new chapter in Scotland
For Fallon, this was her first time stepping into a leadership role – choreographing, directing, mentoring – after nearly a decade in the spotlight herself.
“There are so few professional dance jobs in Scotland. To be able to offer dancers a platform to perform regularly, at a five-star venue, without having to leave home – that’s special.”
The format is simple but ambitious: choreographed performances every Friday and Saturday night, supported by live music and cocktail theatre, all inside a space designed down to the last detail, from a custom-built stage to a Funktion One sound system.
“The shows are professional, glamorous, immersive. Scotland’s never had anything quite like it,” Fallon says.
Life behind the scenes
Now several months in, Fallon has created around 12 different pieces of choreography, working closely with the house band to ensure music and movement flow together. She leads rehearsals, manages costumes, and is there most weekends – not to perform, but to support.
“I trust the girls completely, but I still love being there. Many dancers in training only perform once a year; here they’re performing every week. That kind of consistency builds confidence in a way nothing else can.”
She’s seen her troupe grow not just technically, but personally. “Performance is about connecting with people. Learning how to command a room, read an audience, respond in the moment – that’s something I picked up abroad, and now I get to pass it on. Watching the dancers carry themselves with new confidence, seeing them flourish in front of an audience – that’s the best part of my job.”
Building a cycle of growth
All of the dancers at Trocadero’s are self-employed, meaning they can balance contracts abroad with steady work at home. Fallon describes it as a “lovely flow”: dancers come and go, bringing fresh energy and new skills back to the company.
“It creates this cycle of growth. They go abroad, gain experience, then return even stronger. It keeps the performances exciting for our guests and helps Scotland’s dance scene evolve in a really positive way.”
What’s next
With the festive season approaching, Fallon is already designing new choreography and costumes to meet demand. She’ll also host Trocadero’s first dance workshop in November – a chance for guests to learn signature moves from the showgirls themselves, followed by afternoon tea inside the castle.
“For me, the real magic is creating opportunities here in Scotland. I spent years chasing contracts around the world. Now, dancers don’t have to choose between home and their career. They can have both – and that feels incredibly meaningful.”
