We provide financial support for ballet dancers, contemporary dancers and also choreographers. We help members and former members of the Royal Ballet Companies and other established dance companies. We can also support freelance dance professionals working in some other genres (see FAQs). Teachers and former teachers of dancing, in particular members and former members of recognised dance examining bodies can also apply. 

Things we can help with include:

  • Payment of bills e.g: if loss of income is incurred due to illness
  • Medical costs e.g: physiotherapy following injury and counselling
  • Retraining bursaries e.g: course fees and maintenance costs

To be eligible for funding you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • Have been a dance professional for a minimum of three years in the UK from your first professional engagement. Excludes work whilst undertaking formal dance training.
  • Be a former or retired dance professional; or in certain circumstances, be a dependent of a dance professional
  • Be in receipt of all the state benefits you are entitled to at the time of applying
  • Those with savings of under £16,000 (evidence will be required).
  • Have no other significant means of support e.g. from a partner or from capital assets.

The Fund cannot provide help towards:

  • registered business costs
  • business arrears
  • debt repayments
  • loans

We regret we are unable to fund the following individuals:

  • Students who have yet to commence their career in dance
  • Those requiring funding for creating artistic work, e.g. rehearsal or production costs
  • Those working in therapeutic arts (e.g. dance therapy) or movement teachers in schools.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for further information about who and how the fund can help.

If you do not fulfil our criteria, there may be other charities than can help you.