23 June 2025
We are working hard to deliver on the advocacy commitments laid out in our report Dance for All: Extending Our Ambition for Dance.
Last week, I was delighted to accompany our President, Shirley Ballas, and Chair, Mick Elliott, to a meeting with the School Standards Minister, Catherine McKinnell, where we discussed the physical, social and educational benefits of dance and the role it can play in delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.
We see particular opportunities for dance teachers in the government’s plans for an enrichment framework and hope that the new National Centre for Excellence in Music and Arts Education will serve to form closer connections between our specialist dance teachers and schools in their locality.
After the meeting Catherine McKinnell posted on Instagram to say:
“It was fa-bu-lous to meet the wonderful @shirleyballas and @istddance this week, discussing the benefits of dance for young people. Creative subjects like arts, dance and music are important elements of the rounded and enriching education every child deserves. Keeeeep dancing.”
I am also honoured to have assumed the role of Chair for the Let’s Dance steering group. We are busy planning next year’s Let’s Dance campaign and I’m excited to be hosting a special evening with Angela Rippon at Chichester University on Sunday 17 August, where she will be joined by ISTD members who took part in Let's Dance 2025, as well as other speakers discussing the Sports and Recreation Alliance Social Value of Dance report.
Tickets are still available for what promises to be a lively and thought-provoking evening - join us and be part of the conversation!
Book your tickets now
