Ashley Banjo warns new dance stars are being priced out of trade
Ashley Banjo says there is ‘real concern’ that costs are pricing young dancers out of the industry, with studies suggesting many think you can only build a career if you’ve got money behind you.
Ashley Banjo warns the industry could miss out on the next generation of talent(Image: PinPep)
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 study. Industry data from ONS revealed the number of people working as dancers and choreographers has plummeted by 32% since 2019.
A separate survey of 2,000 adults found that while 68% of Brits said dance is an integral part of British culture, six in 10 believe the next wave of dance talent is being priced out of the industry, with 55% suggesting only those from wealthier backgrounds can realistically pursue a career in dance.
Ashley admits dancing ‘open so many doors’ for him(Image: PinPep)
The research was commissioned by The Sky Foundation to celebrate the launch of the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries, a new scheme providing funding, mentoring and industry support to 20 dance-makers across the UK.
Sky has joined forces with Ashley Banjo MBE, the leader 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 said opportunities are becoming harder 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.”
The Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries will support 20 dance-makers with funding and mentoring(Image: PinPep)
Survey participants said the UK is losing out on talent because families cannot bear the expense of travel, kit and competitions. Meanwhile, 67% believe talent is being missed because they reside in areas of the country with fewer creative opportunities.
In total, 80% believe those from poorer backgrounds encounter more obstacles to pursuing careers in dance. And just 6% believe they are on a truly level playing field when it comes to succeeding in the industry.
According to the OnePoll.com data only 29% believe there are sufficient opportunities for young people to dance in their area. This increases to 39% for Londoners yet drops as low as 19% for people of 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 chimed in: “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.”
