Rising stars in the world of dance are being forced out of pursuing their ambitions as expenses mount, new research suggests.
Official figures from the Office for National Statistics show employment in dance and choreography has dropped by almost a third since 2019.
A separate survey of 2,000 adults discovered the majority of Britons consider dance a vital component of the nation’s cultural identity, yet six in ten feel aspiring performers from the younger generation are being excluded due to financial constraints.
More than half of those questioned expressed the view that only individuals from better-off families can realistically aim for a career in dance.
The research was commissioned by The Sky Foundation to coincide with the launch of the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries, a fresh initiative offering financial support, mentorship and industry guidance to twenty dance creators throughout the UK.
The broadcaster also partnered with Ashley Banjo MBE, leader of the group Diversity, to champion the cause.
Speaking about the survey findings, the choreographer explained that dance provided him with numerous opportunities during his upbringing.
He noted that his mother operated a dance school, meaning he was immersed in the art form from childhood and had access to experiences that shaped his trajectory.
However, he acknowledged that such chances are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, especially for those without wealthy backgrounds.
He stated that creative ability should never depend on a family’s financial situation, yet these results indicate expenses are becoming a progressively major obstacle to a dance career.
This is worrying because talent is distributed throughout society and the next generation of dance professionals and their future contributions to culture cannot be sacrificed, he said.
The research also revealed that 45 per cent feel Britain is failing to nurture dance talent that could benefit culture, the creative industries and the arts sector.
Respondents attributed this to families being unable to cover expenses such as transport, costumes and competition fees at 63 per cent, while 57 per cent pointed to young people being unable to afford creative career paths.
Meanwhile, 67 per cent believe promising individuals are being ignored because they reside in areas with limited access to dance pathways.
Altogether, 80 per cent agreed that people from less wealthy backgrounds encounter greater obstacles when attempting to establish themselves in dance.
Just 6 per cent according to the OnePoll.com data felt the playing field was truly level for those hoping to succeed in the field.
Only 29 per cent thought sufficient opportunities existed for young people to dance locally.
This figure increased to 39 per cent among London residents yet fell to just 19 per cent for those in Yorkshire and the Humber, the lowest of any area.
Dancers, choreographers and artists have been invited to apply for the bursary through the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries website.
Phil Edgar-Jones, a trustee of the foundation and director of unscripted programming at Sky, commented that dance represents one of Britain’s greatest creative assets. It unites audiences, conveys compelling narratives and mirrors the variety of communities found across the nation.
With public funding under strain, many dance professionals are increasingly dependent on assistance from dance organisations, charities and grant-making bodies to advance their careers, he observed.
Programmes of this nature are therefore invaluable, he added.
Ashley Banjo remarked that no young person should have to abandon their dream of a dance career because lessons, travel or competition entry fees are beyond their means, or because suitable opportunities are not available nearby.
Talent can emerge anywhere, and circumstances of birth should not dictate someone’s prospects, he said.