Ashley Banjo warns UK dance talent priced out by costs

Choreographer and TV presenter Ashley Banjo has warned that rising costs are preventing the next generation of UK dancers from pursuing a career. Research commissioned by the Sky Foundation for the launch of the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries found that 60% of surveyed adults believe only those from affluent backgrounds can realistically succeed in dance, and 80% say poorer backgrounds face greater barriers. The study also highlighted a 32% decline in the number of people employed as dancers and choreographers since 2019, according to Office for National Statistics data.

Banjo, who grew up with a mother who ran a dance school, said, “Creative potential should never be determined by a family’s finances,” and warned that talent is being lost because families cannot afford travel, equipment and competition fees. The Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries will provide funding, mentoring and industry support to 20 emerging dance‑makers across the UK, aiming to broaden access and retain talent.

Survey respondents also noted that 67% believe talent is missed in regions with fewer creative pathways, while 68% consider dance an integral part of British culture. Banjo stressed the importance of addressing these barriers to preserve the country's cultural heritage.