The Royal Ballet School is breaking down historic barriers in the dance world with a new series of free, inclusive, adaptive ballet classes.
Launched in partnership with the Kate Stanforth Academy of Dance – an award-winning inclusive arts organisation – the initiative offers disabled dancers the chance to train in the Royal Ballet School’s fully accessible studios in Central London or join on livestream.
Rachael Hunt, the School’s International Artistic Manager, describes the programme as a “game changer”. She says she had the idea after the School’s inaugural Let’s Dance open day – the first time the institution had opened its doors to the general public – where dancers of all abilities took part in classes including wheelchair users.
“It was such a good experience for me as a teacher and for the dancers,” says Rachael. It made her determined to build something sustainable rather than a one-off event. Teaming up with disabled dancer and educator Kate Stanforth, whom she met that day, Rachael helped develop a programme of two-hour sessions.
The classes are defined by collaboration rather than traditional instruction. “It's a sharing of knowledge,” says Rachael.
“I'm teaching the dancers ballet and they are finding ways to adapt it.” Whether working on The Nutcracker or Swan Lake, the standards remain high. “We find a way to make it work for everybody.”
Beyond the technical side, the initiative serves as a social hub. The schedule includes a long lunch break, which Rachael describes as a rare “communal space where they can share their stories”, particularly important for younger dancers.
Mindful of the financial barriers many disabled people face, the School is committed to keeping these classes entirely free.
They currently run once a term, and dancers can book their place at the barre directly through the Kate Stanforth Academy website.
Photo: Kate Stanforth Academy of Arts and The Royal Ballet School with photography from Shona Louise Photography
