10 Scholarships Available For Ballet Dancers

Ballet is a beautiful, demanding art form—and it often comes with a hefty price tag. From tuition fees and pointe shoes to travel costs for auditions and performances, pursuing ballet at a high level requires serious financial investment. But don’t let money hold you back from chasing your dream! There are numerous scholarships and funding opportunities available in the UK that can help lighten the load. Here are 10 scholarships for ballet dancers in the UK that you might not know about but should definitely explore.

1. The Royal Ballet School’s Financial Support Scheme The Royal Ballet School is one of the world’s premier ballet institutions and thankfully it believes in supporting talent over financial means. The school offers substantial financial aid based on need, covering tuition, boarding and more. Students who secure a place at White Lodge or Upper School are automatically considered for funding – so if you’ve got the talent, don’t let the cost deter you!
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2. Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) Funded by the UK government, the Music and Dance Scheme provides grants to exceptionally talented young people so they can attend specialist dance and music schools, including The Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst Ballet School and Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. The scheme covers tuition and boarding fees depending on family income, making elite training more accessible than you might think.
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3. Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA) DaDA is another government-funded programme that supports students training at a professional level in dance and drama. This scheme is available at a select group of specialist schools, including Ballet West and Performers College. Awards are income-assessed and can significantly reduce both tuition and living expenses for students aged 16 and over.
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4. The Cecchetti Society Trust Awards For dancers training in the Cecchetti method, this trust offers various scholarships, including the Cecchetti Society Trust Bursary and the Barbara Geoghegan Award. These can be used to support further training and attendance at summer schools. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students who are dedicated to the Cecchetti technique.
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5. The Lynn Seymour Award for Expressive Dance Held biennially, this prestigious competition is open to students at vocational dance schools across the UK. While technically an award rather than a scholarship, the cash prize can provide significant support for a dancer’s training and expenses. It’s also a great way to get noticed by professionals in the field.
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6. The Leverhulme Trust Scholarships The Leverhulme Trust provides financial support for a range of arts education initiatives, including dance. These scholarships are often distributed through partner organisations such as schools or foundations, so keep an eye out at your own institution for any Leverhulme-backed opportunities.
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7. The Yorkshire Ballet Seminars Bursary Scheme This beloved UK summer school attracts top young talent and provides bursaries to students who may not otherwise be able to attend. Applications are assessed on both talent and financial need, and the experience is often described as transformative for young dancers.
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8. The Ballet Association Bursaries While primarily a membership-based organisation for ballet enthusiasts, The Ballet Association also offers bursaries to students at The Royal Ballet School and English National Ballet School. These awards are usually given to upper-level students to support their transition into professional careers.
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9. The Dance Professionals Fund Formerly known as the Royal Ballet Benevolent Fund, the Dance Professionals Fund supports dancers at all stages of their careers. This includes funding for students in vocational training as well as professional dancers facing financial hardship. They also offer emergency grants and support for retraining.
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10. Local Council and Community Arts Grants Finally, don’t overlook local options! Many councils and regional arts organisations offer small grants for young performers. These can help cover costs for exams, auditions, and summer programmes. Your local authority’s website or arts council might be hiding the perfect opportunity just around the corner.
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Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About Crowdfunding and Sponsorships While not scholarships in the traditional sense, many dancers have successfully funded their training through platforms like GoFundMe or Patreon. Some local businesses or family foundations may also be open to offering private sponsorship. It never hurts to ask—and often, people are happy to support a passionate young artist.

Final Thoughts Financing ballet training in the UK can feel daunting, but there are more opportunities than you might think. These scholarships and awards are designed to support promising dancers who need a helping hand. Do your research, prepare strong applications, and never be afraid to reach out for help. Ballet is about perseverance, passion, and grace—and with the right support, your talent can truly take flight. So keep stretching, keep striving, and let nothing stand in the way of your pirouette-filled future!

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