Ballet Futures

Towards a more diverse and inclusive future in classical dance.

Our Ballet Futures programme supports talented young dancers, aged 8+ from African Diaspora, Caribbean, South Asian, and South East Asian backgrounds, to train to become world class ballet dancers.

We help them develop the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to secure places at leading ballet schools in the UK. Through apprenticeships, mentorship and guidance at key stages we help them thrive at the start of their professional journey. Ballet Futures is more than a training programme – it’s a vibrant community where young artists can grow, develop their artistry, and reach their full potential.

Why Ballet Futures Matters

Currently very few professional ballet dancers come from global majority backgrounds. Cultural, financial, and social barriers often prevent dancers from African Diaspora, Caribbean, South Asian, and South East Asian backgrounds from accessing ballet training which in turn impacts representation in professional companies.

Ballet Futures tackles this by:

Creating sustained, actionable opportunities for young dancers
Focusing on equity, access, and long-term investment
Providing targeted support at critical stages of development
Partnering with local schools and communities to reach young talent and expand their outreach

Through these efforts, we hope every dancer feels a sense of belonging, and every community sees itself reflected on stage.

“It is imperative that we enable and support the underrepresented youth of today by providing training and opportunities, combined with being holistically nurtured, enabling them to flourish and fly”

Sarah Kundi, former First Artist and previously a founding member of the Ballet Futures Leadership Team

Our Impact Since 2022

Supported 35 young dancers

Partnered with five leading dance schools

Provided 100% of participants with free weekly training and mentorship

Achieved 90% progression into advanced ballet training

Received outstanding parent feedback highlighting increased confidence, joy and belonging

Partner Schools

Ballet Futures is proudly delivered in association with:

Adagio School of Dance (Brentwood)
Dupont Dance Stage School (Leicester)
Spotlight Stage School (Birmingham)
Viv’Art Movement Academy (East London)
West London School of Dance

What Ballet Futures Dancers Receive

Participants benefit from a comprehensive support package, including:

Training & Mentorship

Free weekly ballet training at a local partner school
Financial support for ballet shoes and uniforms
Studio visits, creative coaching, and ballet history sessions with ENB artists and guest professionals
Personalised feedback and encouragement

Experiences & Opportunities

Exclusive Experience Days at ENB’s Mulryan Centre for Dance (with subsidised travel)
Free tickets to English National Ballet performances
Membership in a growing peer network of Ballet Futures dancers
Access to mentorship, alumni support, and pathways into internships and apprenticeships

Ballet Futures represents a long-term commitment to inclusion, artistic excellence, and actionable pathways into professional ballet. By nurturing talent and fostering belonging, we hope the programme will have positive impact – for dancers, schools, our company, and the wider perception of who can aspire to be a ballet dancer .