NYB Bursaries
Introduction
In 2026, we are delighted to be able to offer a range of bursaries to help support those most in need of financial assistance.
Funds available:
NYB Bursary Fund – NYB aims to support a diverse range of applications by removing financial barriers; bursaries are available for applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds that meet our eligibility criteria.
Pat Prime Bursary– NYB aims to support under-represented groups in ballet; this is a specific bursary to support young dancers from global majority backgrounds. Global majority means from Black, Asian, Brown, mixed-heritage, and/or indigenous to the Global South.
NYB Travel Grant – NYB will offer up to five awards to RPC and RPC intensive participants; these are awarded to applicants based on geographical location that may be a barrier to access.
Assessment Process:
All of our bursary applications are anonymised and assessed by an awards panel. All awards are assessed against socio-economic indicators to ensure that funding goes to those with the greatest level of need who meet the specific eligibility criteria for each award.
Photo © Jules Renahan
NYB Bursary Fund
The National Youth Ballet Bursary Fund is reserved for young dancers most in need of financial support. We want to actively encourage a diverse range of applications by removing financial barriers. Bursaries are available for applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds. Every year demand for bursaries increases. We can only continue to provide support for dancers of all backgrounds with help from our generous community of supporters. Every donation makes a big difference and removes barriers for young dancers. In 2026, thanks to the generosity of those who supported our Relevé Appeal, we are delighted to offer two Relevé Bursaries as part of our bursaries available.
Criteria
- Must be eligible according to application form criteria*
- Aged 10-21 (*by 5 September 2026) if applying for an RPC or RPC Intensive bursary
- Based in the United Kingdom
Application Process
To be considered for a 2026 Residential Performance Company or Residential Performance Company Intensive bursary please complete the application form by Friday 6 March 2026.
To be considered for a bursary for other NYB activity please complete the application form at the point of application and no later than the application deadline advertised.
In assessing each application the NYB panel will take into account a number of factors based on the Jerwood Foundation’s Toolkit for Socio-economic Diversity and Inclusion in the arts. NYB may require provision of financial evidence before deciding on any application. Typically this would include:
- Whether a family is living on significantly less than the national average wage, and/or in receipt of benefit or income support e.g. Universal Credit
- If they are receiving a bursary for dance study from any dance school
- Type of school attended
- Parental experience of higher education
- Parental occupation
Pat Prime Bursary
This award was originally donated by Patricia Prime’s family with the specific intention of removing barriers for dancers of Black African and/or Black African-Caribbean descent who are under-represented in our art-form. Since 2021 we have been delighted to support ten young people with a Pat Prime Award. We continue to honour this award in Pat Prime’s name by offering one award each year for a dancer from a global majority background in recognition that this group continues to be underrepresented in our artform.
“Pat Prime (11 May 1936 – 13 August 2018) was the typical, extraordinary ballet teacher. Teaching ballet for over 60 years, she taught dance for longer. She died the week after she had completed teaching a Summer School. She guided and instructed so many people, many of whom became dancers, teachers, actors. Her alumni became Principal Dancers in the Royal Ballet, Phoenix Dance Company, Northern Ballet Theatre and in West End productions. She stimulated a love for the arts, and a sense of self-confidence in all she taught. Most importantly, she believed in supporting people to be their best and worked tirelessly to inspire others. She knew that if people had access to opportunity and belief then the art would follow. This award was created from donations from friends, family, colleagues and ex-pupils, and is a reminder that inclusion and joy in dance need to be strived for. It is given in memory of her and some of her ex-pupils and is to inspire change.” Sian Prime, Pat’s daughter
“I want to be the difference and show that black girls can do ballet too. It was an honour to be one of the first dancers to be awarded the Pat Prime Award… I learnt so much about what it is like to be a part of a professional ballet family. I’m grateful for the opportunity NYB has provided for me.” Lauren Beharie, Pat Prime Award Winner, 2021
“I endorse their recently launched Pat Prime Award, which will support talented young dancers of Black African and/or Black African-Caribbean heritage. This type of action is what our industry needs to ensure that young, diverse talent is nurtured in a genuine and useful way.” Cassa Pancho MBE, Founder & Artistic Director, Ballet Black
NYB Travel Grant
In 2026 we continue to seek ways to provide financial assistance to families for whom access to NYB due to geographic location is a barrier to participation. We will offer up to five travel grants for RPC and RPC Intensive participants from different geographic areas that meet our eligibility criteria. In line with our ESG Policy and commitment to environmental sustainability, the travel grants cannot be used for petrol/diesel.
To be considered for a 2026 RPC or RPC Intensive Travel Grant please complete the bursary application form as above and check the travel grant box by Friday 6 March 2026.
Photo © Lachlan Monaghan