Ashley Banjo has warned that the next generation of dance stars are at risk of being priced out of the industry, as new research reveals more than half believe you can pursue a career if you come from a wealthy background.
The next generation of dance stars are being priced out of following in the footsteps of Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell and Ashley Banjo, according to a new study. Industry figures from the ONS revealed the number of people employed as dancers and choreographers has plummeted by 32% since 2019.
A separate survey of 2,000 adults found 68% of Brits believe dance is a vital part of British culture, yet six in 10 think the next generation of dance talent is being priced out of the industry, with 55% suggesting only those from more affluent 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 offering funding, mentoring and industry support to 20 dance-makers across the UK.
Sky has joined forces with Ashley Banjo MBE, frontman of the group Diversity, to back the campaign. The choreographer turned presenter 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.”
However, he warned that opportunities are becoming increasingly difficult to access, particularly for those who are not from an ‘affluent background’.
“Creative potential should never be determined by a family’s finances,” he said, “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.”
Those surveyed said the UK is missing out on talent because families cannot afford the cost of travel, equipment and competitions. Meanwhile, 67% believe talent is being overlooked because they live in parts of the country with fewer creative pathways.
In total, 80% believe those from less wealthy backgrounds face greater barriers to pursuing careers in dance. And just 6% believe they are on a truly level playing field when it comes to making it in the industry.
According to OnePoll.com data, only 29% believe there are sufficient opportunities for young people to dance in their local area. This rises to 39% for Londoners yet drops as low as 19% for people in Yorkshire and the Humber – the lowest of any region.
Choreographers, dance-makers and artists have been urged to register for 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.”