Stars of British ballet unite in support of dance education 

Last night, Monday 16 June, ballet stars from Britain’s top ballet companies came together to advocate for training dance teachers, who go on to inspire the dancers of the future, at a fundraising event, ‘A Midsummer Night’, produced by the charity, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and its President, Dame Darcey Bussell.

The event, which took place at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park in London, raised over £400,000 to support the RAD’s vital work in training dance teachers worldwide, with special performances and a live auction taking place.

Performances by Britain’s leading dance companies included: The Royal Ballet, Northern Ballet, Scottish Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet. Ballet stars were also joined by famous names supporting the RAD’s charitable cause including Lulu, Elizabeth Hurley, and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Commenting on the event, RAD President Dame Darcey Bussell said: “Dance teachers played a pivotal role in my career. They dedicate their lives to supporting, educating and inspiring people from all walks of life. This event was not only a celebration of dance teaching and great dance teachers, but a reminder of the vital need for dance teachers in our society and the transformational impact they have on communities.”

For over 100 years, the RAD has nurtured generations of dance teachers. RAD teachers inspire generations of students around the world, instilling creativity, confidence, and a love of dance. On average, one RAD teacher will train approximately 3,000 students in their lifetime, making them a powerful force for positive change in communities worldwide.  

The benefit of dance teachers can be felt in communities across the country, with almost 3,500 RAD-registered dance teachers getting people moving and dancing in care homes, schools, village halls, leisure centres and dance schools.

Dance itself is a powerful tool for personal growth, self-expression and community building. The benefits of dance on young people in particular extend far beyond the studio, positively impacting physical health, emotional wellbeing, social skills, and academic success.

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