Today, a BBC Panorama investigation into claims of bullying & body-shaming at two vocational ballet schools, called BBC iPlayer – Panorama – The Dark Side of Ballet Schools is due to be broadcast on BBC One at 8pm (except Wales & Wales HD), and 8.30pm (Wales & Wales HD only), BBC Two next Saturday and BBC News three times over the weekend (UK HD and UK only). The episode is already available to watch via the link above, if you have BBC iPlayer.
Please heed the warnings clearly displayed on the preview screen if you plan to watch the episode; this is a sensitive, difficult and potential triggering subject for many. The purpose of the BBC Panorama investigation is to highlight the continued need for change, and my reason for highlighting the episode here is to try to bring any necessary further awareness, leading to a positive outcome.
The two schools referred to in the episode are The Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School, where former pupils speak to reporter Mark Daly about their experiences of the culture at these schools, calling for change.
In the Ballet News Ballet Business series, I wrote a feature on ballet dancers and nutrition, consulting with a Dance Scientist & Sport Nutritionist because it’s so important to handle this topic in the correct way. I’ve added the link below in case it helps anyone.
