EVERYTHING WE LOVED ABOUT DANCE WAS TAKEN

ONE DANCE UK RELEASES FINDINGS OF DANCE EDUCATION REPORT AND CALLS FOR UK GOVERNMENT, EDUCATIONAL BODIES AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO DEMONSTRATE AND COMMIT SUPPORT. 

Based on the findings of the research, One Dance UK calls on the UK Government and devolved administrations to strengthen investment in means-tested out of school talent development programmes, for example the National Youth Dance Company and Centres for Advanced Training (CAT), to support and enhance the schools offer.

One Dance UK (the Sector Support Organisation and Subject Association for Dance) has announced the publication of a new report outlining trends and concerns in dance education, as reported directly from those teaching dance in educational settings in the UK.

Based on the findings of a survey undertaken over a one-month period in 2021, the report contains new information about the current dance landscape in schools, identifies key areas of concern and their causes, and considers how the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has placed dance education in a dangerously precarious and vulnerable position. The results of the research are presented alongside a series of recommendations and calls to action to ensure every child and young person has access to high-quality dance as part of their education.

Head of Children and Young People’s Dance at One Dance UK Laura Nicholson says: 

“This report paints a worrying picture, where the decline in the availability of dance in schools has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the plethora of benefits that come from studying dance as a child we are faced with a crisis that could lead to dance being pushed out of education. As well as the physical and mental impact on young people, if creative subjects are no longer seen to be a viable study option who will have the skills suitable to be employed in these roles, and what impact will this have on our wider economy long term? It is One Dance UK’s priority to ensure that this issue is heard at every level, from grass roots through to Government, and make the case of dance education for all.”