Launching NYB All In! online performance project in collaboration with Kate Stanforth Academy of Arts CIC
NYB All In! explores how ballet can be created and taught in a more inclusive way, allowing more young dancers to access this beautiful art form. The NYB All In! Online Performance Project was designed in collaboration with Kate Stanforth Academy of Arts CIC to reach dancers, who may not ordinarily be able to access NYB activity, in their homes.
The project was created in direct response to a conversation with Kate in 2023. Kate talked specifically about the need to create meaningful, accessible ballet opportunities for those at home with disabilities or long term health conditions. NYB Beyond Ballet® choreographer Hannah George and NYB Creative Director Jo Meredith worked with a group of 18 dancers for one hour a week, over 4 weeks in October 2024 to create a short choreography inspired by the prologue of Romeo and Juliet. The dancers worked with Kate to create a short film designed to be played on social media platforms. Kate shared her knowledge, skills and experience throughout the creative process.
Collaborating for an inclusive industry
Kate Stanforth comments, “There are limited opportunities for disabled dancers in the ballet industry, but even less if you can’t access a studio. The fact that we were able to bring professional and accessible ballet classes to dancers all around the world really says something. Ballet can be accessible“. Kate continues to say, of the collaboration with NYB, “We feel incredibly privileged to work with such an understanding and professional organisation – I hope this is the first of more collaborations!“.
Over a quarter of the population have a long term health condition and many of them, like a lot of our dancers, can’t leave the house never mind access a theatre or studio. Jo Meredith reflects, “It was brilliant to return to online teaching and use it as a creative tool to connect people with NYB’s All In! performance project. I hope that more organisations begin to think about creative ways to connect with people with their activities, widening access to opportunities for all“.
Project Lead: Kate Stanforth
Project Assistant: Mae Taverner
Film Edited by: Emily Lathan
Music: Fabien Tell Fly Baby Fly
Dancers on film: Jessi, Ariana, Laurin, Lucy, Bex, Lula, Katie (M), Hannah, Simone, Fay, Beth, Katie (MC), Hollie, Reign, Kate.
Other Dancers: Isobel, Birgit, Talia
NYB is delighted to return with an opportunity for up to 15 dancers aged between 14-30 to join our NYB All In! inclusive ballet classes at South East Dance in 2025 on Thursday 20th February, Thursday 17th April and Thursday 29th May.
