More dancers allege body-shaming and bullying at ballet schools
December 20, 2023

Dozens more ballet dancers have described body-shaming and bullying at schools across the UK, following a BBC investigation earlier this year.

One ex-Elmhurst Ballet School student says she was shut in a room by staff while having a mental health crisis.

Another developed anorexia and came close to suicide after attending the London Vocational Ballet School.

Both schools said their records differ from the accounts given to the BBC and that student welfare was a priority.

In total, the BBC has now spoken to more than 100 former dancers who attended UK schools from the 1990s through to the present day, and who all claim they experienced a “damaging” culture.

The initial investigation by Panorama and File on 4 focused on two of the UK’s top schools, the Royal Ballet School in London and Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham.

The new claims include a third school, the London Vocational Ballet School, known until earlier this year as the Young Dancers Academy.

If you have suffered abuse relating to ballet schools or would like to discuss experiences, please contact out specialist child abuse solicitor, Charles Derham on the following:

E: charles@remedylaw.co.uk
T: 02393552513

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