I was only joking. Interviewing Queensland Ballet choreographer Paul Boyd about his new dance work Tartan I asked if there were kilts involved and if, by any chance, they might be using that old Scottish standard Donald, Where’s Your Troosers? In the show.

The song, by Andy Stewart, is a classic and you may know it or recall at least its refrain …

“Let the wind blow high, Let the wind blow low, Through the streets, in my kilt I’ll go
All the lassies say hello … Donald, where’s your troosers?”

Imagine my surprise when Boyd answered in the affirmative on both counts.

“All the boys are in kilts,” Boyd says. “And yes, we are using Donald, Where’s Your Troosers by Andy Stewart, among other songs and music.”

Which shows that Boyd has a sense of humor.

In the age of Outlander programming a Scottish dance work makes more sense than usual.

Tartan is one of three works that make up this year’s Bespoke program which is on at the Talbot Theatre at the Thomas Dixon Centre from July 27 to August 5.

In one work resident choreographer Natalie Weir draws on inspiration from poems and the music of Strauss to delve into the universal thread that binds us all. Through breathtaking movements her piece, Four Songs brings to life the notion of shared humanity and the beauty found in the fleeting moments of existence.

Award-winning choreographer Remi Wörtmeyer will also debut a new work. As a visual artist who works between fine art, theatre, and fashion, Wörtmeyer’s Miroirs will explore the idea of seeing our world, our narcissism, and relationships, in reflection.

Then, breaking from the non-narrative theme, Paul Boyd’s piece, another premiere, tells the story of an elderly Scottish Highland gentleman who relives his past with the return of the ghosts of his youth. Inspired by the heartfelt sound of bagpipes, Tartan combines the technique of traditional Scottish Highland dancing with the advance movements of contemporary dance and ballet.

Bespoke is a triple bill production held every year and it is dear to the heart of soon to retire artistic director of Queensland Ballet Li Cunxin.

“Bespoke is always a sell-out each year,” Li says. “It challenges our dancers and audiences alike as it breaks through traditional barriers to reveal new perspectives on movement and storytelling. “It is a powerful merging of classical technique with an emotional depth that reveals thought-provoking concepts to enthrall audiences. I am continually blown away by what I see onstage, as the exceptional performance level of our dancers combined with exciting creative elements to deliver a stunning show.”

Any triple bill needs a work that is fun though and that’s Tartan.

For Paul Boyd it’s chance to channel his own childhood.

“My grandmother was a Campbell and I learn Scottish dancing as child and loved it,” Boyd says. “I have used some traditional music as well as the kilts and the various tartans. Even when the dancers seem to move in a contemporary way there will be references to the traditional form of Scottish dancing.

“I wanted to use the traditional dancing and add humor and pathos in a 35-minute-long mix of emotions. I have been YouTubing lots of Scottish dancing in the process and when you see it done well its quite beautiful.”

Tartan will feature the company’s younger dancers who should have a lot of fun with it. Tartan also features, in the pivotal character role, Graeme Collins, a QB alumni who has had an international career as a dancer and a teacher. He will play the lead, the elderly Scottish Highlander.

Boyd and Collins are friends who toured together back in the 1980s. Collins, 74, is thrilled to be in Tartan being a dedicated lover of Scotland. Boyd has never actually been to Scotland but Collins has visited on numerous occasions and is steeped in Scottish tradition.

“When Paul contacted me about playing this older Highlander, well, right from that first moment I said yes,” Collins says, “The character is a bit rugged so I’m not going to have a haircut until after the show. The story is very good and I will be wearing tartan too, The McLeod tartan in fact.”

Tartan will get an out-of-town tryout this weekend at the NOOSA alive! festival where it will be presented with the Matthew Lawrence choreographed Tchaikovsky Mash.

Meanwhile we have to wait until next week to see Tartan in Brisbane.

At the end of our interview, I remember to ask Boyd a question I’d had in my mind from the outset.

“So, what will they be wearing under their kilts?” I’m told I will have to wait and see.  Fair enough.

Bespoke, Talbot Theatre, Thomas Dixon Centre, July 27 to August 5

queenslandballet.com.au