A new study reveals that the next generation of dance stars in the UK are being priced out of the industry due to financial barriers. Industry data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the number of people working as dancers and choreographers has fallen by 32% since 2019.
Public perception and cultural importance
A poll of 2,000 adults found that 68% of Brits consider dance an important part of British culture, yet six in 10 believe the next generation of dance talent is being priced out of the industry. Furthermore, 55% suggest that only those from wealthier backgrounds can realistically pursue a career in dance.
The research was commissioned by The Sky Foundation to launch the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries, a new programme providing funding, mentoring, and industry support to 20 dance-makers across the UK. Sky has teamed up with Ashley Banjo MBE, frontman of Diversity, to support the campaign.
Ashley Banjo's perspective
Ashley Banjo 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 noted that opportunities are becoming harder to access, particularly for those not from an 'affluent background'.
He added: "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."
Regional disparities and barriers
Respondents said the UK is missing out on talent because families can't afford the cost of travel, equipment, and competitions. Meanwhile, 67% believe talent is overlooked because people live in areas with fewer creative pathways.
In total, 80% believe those from less affluent backgrounds face more barriers to pursuing careers in dance, and just 6% believe they are on a truly even keel in the industry. According to OnePoll.com data, only 29% believe there are enough opportunities for young people to dance in their area. This rises to 39% for Londoners but falls to 19% for people in Yorkshire and the Humber – the lowest of any region.
Call to action
Choreographers, dance-makers, and artists have been encouraged to sign up 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."
