NYB All In!

NYB All In!

NYB All In! explores how ballet can be created and taught in ways that are more accessible for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent dancers, so that more young people can experience and enjoy this beautiful artform, making it accessible to more young people, whilst also staying true to its artistic identity and heritage.

We work in partnership with organisations across the UK on activities such as residencies, workshops and creative opportunities. We are also developing a programme of continuing professional development (CPD) for ballet professionals, which we are now delivering in ballet schools and organisations.

This year, for the first time, we auditioned d/Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent and non-disabled dancers to take part in the NYB All In! Performance Company. This process was developed to be accessible for all, whilst also giving dancers the chance to experience the rigour and challenge of an audition process. You will see the NYB All In! Performance Company perform as part of Echoes of Tomorrow.

NYB All In! has highlighted the serious lack of traditional progression routes into the industry for young disabled dancers and leaders, as well as the lack of disabled representation within the industry. So in 2024, we launched NYB All In! Young Leaders, supporting the next generation of d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent dancers to become the leaders of the future.

Our Young Leaders teach ballet classes in Brighton and next year we hope to build on the leadership skills of the dancers we have worked with in Birmingham, creating a legacy for the 2026 NYB All In! project. Former NYB All In! dancer and Young Leader Grace Thompson is one of our 2025/26 Beyond Ballet® choreographers, taking her leadership skills to the next level.

This year we partnered with Kate Stanforth Dance to deliver a joyful online ballet experience for dancers who are unable to leave their homes. We regularly collaborate with Parable Dance and continue to work alongside national dance organisations such as South East Dance, People Dancing, FABRIC, Dance Leaders Group
and Birmingham Royal Ballet. We are pleased to be a part of Stopgap’s ABC Collective.

NYB All In! is guided by its own dedicated steering group, made up of industry professionals and young dancers with and without disabilities. Their insight and experience help shape the direction of the work. Our goal is to bring NYB All In! to more dancers across the country, and to share our learnings from the project with more people.