Photo by Lachlan Monaghan
Art Form Inclusivity in the Midlands
As part of Dance Leaders Group’s Strength 2 Strength project, focused on capacity building and sector development for the Midlands region, we are excited to be working with art-form specific organisations to address inclusive teaching methodologies across technique, approach and culture.
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There are currently 2 sessions programmed:
Disability Awareness and Inclusion training for South Asian dance styles
Ballet For All!
Photo by Jules Renahan
On Monday 7 July, Birmingham Royal Ballet & National Youth Ballet will be hosting ‘Ballet For All!’; a day of sharing, learning, and practical activity for those working in or who are interested in working with disabled dancers in ballet.
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The day will explore how ballet can be taught, choreographed or facilitated in an accessible way, focusing on practical information and tools that can be utilised in studio settings. We will share case studies, from Freefall Dance Company (Birmingham Royal Ballet) and NYB All In! (National Youth Ballet), see examples of work, and try out approaches in physical workshops.
Where: Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome
When: Monday 7 July 2025, 10am – 4pm
Who is the event for:
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If you are a dance artist interested in exploring more inclusive teaching and learning approaches in ballet
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If you are a disabled dance leader seeking to develop your practice
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If you are interested in exchanging ideas and experiences with fellow practitioners
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Useful Information
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The event is free to attend, with a lunch provided,
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Dance Leaders Group can support travel expenses up to £15 for up to 10 freelancers / self-employed artists and practitioners.
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There are also a small number of £50 bursary places available to freelance artists who can demonstrate how the training will benefit their practice, specifically relating to ballet. This is on a first come first serve basis for up to 8 artists.
Disabled and neurodivergent dancers and practitioners are currently under-represented in ballet studios. Dance Leaders Group, Birmingham Royal Ballet and National Youth Ballet are committed to addressing this by developing more inclusive practice, building more inclusive talent pathways, and opening up conversations regarding disability employment and representation in dance.
If you’re working in another under-represented art-form and would like to discuss how Dance Leaders Group can support more inclusive training opportunities, please get in touch with sophie@fabric.dance.
These events are supported by Dance Leaders Group’s Strength 2 Strength project, which is part of the Critical Mass Legacy programme, delivered by FABRIC. Funded by United by 2022, as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Enhancement Fund from West Midlands Combined Authority
*For this event, we are using identity-first language in response to disability as it supports the social model of disability and is recommended in ODUK’s Inclusive Language Guide. We understand that the preferred approach depends on the individual and community preferences, and we will respect individual choices in our spaces, using terms people feel most comfortable with.
Disability Awareness and Inclusion training for South Asian dancers
As part of the DLG's Art Form Inclusivity Programme, Sampad will be leading a session designed to equip trained dancers and dance tutors with the knowledge and practical tools needed to develop their skills for working in mixed-ability and disability-inclusive settings.
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Date: 25 June 2025
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Midlands Arts Centre
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​The session will be led by Rashmi Becker. Rashmi has been dancing since a young age, and is the founder of Step Change Studios, an organisation which provides dance that is fun, accessible and inclusive for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
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Please note, lunch will not be provided.
Who can attend?
This opportunity is open to dancers who:
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Have trained in, or are experienced in South Asian dance forms
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Have experience of working part time or full time in a dance teaching role
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Are looking to upskill and expand their practice
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Are based in Birmingham or the West Midlands.
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Bursaries : ​
A limited number of training bursaries are available, offering up to £100 to support you to attend. The recipients of these bursaries will be decided in the selection process.
Please fill out this form to apply for a place:
You will need to provide some information about yourself, where you are based, and a short statement of up to 100 words, detailing why you would like to attend and how you benefit.
Please apply by 5pm on Monday 19th May 2025.
Successful attendees will hear from Sampad by the end of day on Friday 23rd 2025.