Diversity’s Ashley Banjo expresses concern for future dance stars amid rising costs and program cuts
Diversity’s Ashley Banjo expresses concern for future dance stars amid rising costs and program cuts
Next generation of dance stars are being priced out the industry, study reveals.
The next generation of dance stars is being priced out of following in the footsteps of Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell and Ashley Banjo, according to a study.
Industry data from ONS revealed the number of people working as dancers and choreographers has fallen by 32 per cent since 2019.
While a separate poll of 2,000 adults found 68 per cent of Brits said dance is an important part of British culture, yet six in 10 believe the next generation of dance talent is being priced out of the industry.
And 55 per cent think only those from wealthier backgrounds can realistically pursue a career in dance.
The research was commissioned by The Sky Foundation to mark the launch of the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries, a new programme providing funding, mentoring and industry support to 20 dance-makers across the UK.
The broadcaster also teamed up with Ashley Banjo MBE, the frontman of the group Diversity, to support the campaign.
Commenting on the poll, the choreographer said: “Dance opened so many doors for me growing up.
“I was lucky my Mum ran a dance school, so I was surrounded by dance from an early age and had access to opportunities that helped shape my future.
“But opportunities are becoming harder to access today, particularly for people who don’t come from an affluent background.
“Creative potential should never be determined by a family’s finances, yet these findings suggest cost is becoming an increasingly significant barrier to pursuing a career in dance.
“That’s a real concern, because talent exists everywhere – and we can’t afford to lose the next generation of dance artists and what they’ll contribute to our culture.”
The study also found 45 per cent feel the UK is missing out on dance talent which could contribute to culture, creative industries and the arts sector.
Participants believe this is due to families not being able to afford the costs of travel, equipment and competitions (63 per cent) and some young people not being able to afford creative careers (57 per cent).
Meanwhile, 67 per cent believe talent is being overlooked because they live in parts of the country with fewer creative pathways.
In total, 80 per cent believe those from less affluent backgrounds face more barriers to pursuing careers in dance.
Just six per cent believe they are on a truly even keel when it comes to making it in the industry according to the OnePoll.com data.
And only 29 per cent believe there are enough opportunities for young people to dance in their area.
This rises to 39 per cent for Londoners yet falls as low as 19 per cent for people of Yorkshire and the Humber – the lowest of any region.
Choreographers, dance-makers and artists have been encouraged to sign up to the bursary on the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries website.
Phil Edgar-Jones, trustee of the foundation and executive director of unscripted content at Sky, said: “Dance is one of Britain’s great creative strengths. It’s an artform that brings people together, tells powerful stories and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK.
“With public funding under pressure, many dance artists increasingly rely on the support of dance organisations, charities and funders to develop their careers.
“That’s why initiatives like this are so important.”
Ashley Banjo added: “No young person should feel that a career in dance is out of reach because they can’t afford lessons, travel or competitions, or because there aren’t enough opportunities close to home.
“Talent can come from anywhere, and your background shouldn’t determine your future.”