Steven McRae, a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet and a celebrated figure in British dance, has joined forces with the charity Skylarks to host a series of special ballet masterclasses. These sessions were designed specifically for children and young people with additional needs, powerfully demonstrating that the joy of dance transcends all barriers.
A Partnership for Inclusion
Skylarks is an independent charity based in London that provides comprehensive support for children with additional needs, their siblings, parents, and carers. It offers a safe and inclusive environment for those aged 0 to 25 through a mixture of online services and in-person activities. Their work includes free events, key therapies, and expert advice aimed at reducing isolation and empowering whole families.
The ballet workshops, led with great passion and sensitivity by McRae, created a unique, joy-filled space for participants to explore movement, creativity, and self-expression. Held at Skylarks' premises, the atmosphere was electric with excitement, laughter, and meaningful interaction, as Steven's warmth and creative approach made a deep connection with every child.
An Empowering and Supported Experience
Children between the ages of five and 17 took part in small, carefully supported groups, allowing them to engage fully and comfortably. Each session was guided by Steven McRae himself and bolstered by the Skylarks staff team alongside specialist SEND performing arts coaches. This ensured that every participant, regardless of their individual ability, felt truly empowered to join in.
The experience was further enriched by contributions from Skylarks ambassadors. Actor Fiona Button filmed the sessions, capturing the vibrant energy and emotional resonance of the inclusive dance. Musician Michael Howell provided live piano accompaniment, which heightened the sensory experience and brought Steven's creative vision vividly to life.
Lasting Impact and Future Collaborations
Deirdre Carswell, Skylarks' Head of Fundraising, remarked on the profound effect of the classes. She described seeing the children shine through dance as "nothing short of wonderful," noting that Steven brought a unique magic to the room and inspired a lasting sense of inclusion, joy, and confidence.
For his part, Steven McRae found the experience deeply meaningful. He reiterated his firm belief that ballet belongs to everyone, highlighting its unique power to communicate emotion and build self-assurance, making it a particularly potent tool for children with additional needs. He expressed great enthusiasm for continuing to work with Skylarks in the future.
As a lasting memento, each child received a signed copy of Steven's newly published book, Anything is Possible with Ballet, generously donated by Magic Cat Publishing. Both Skylarks and Steven McRae are now actively exploring future collaborations, driven by a shared commitment to widen access to high-quality dance experiences and challenge preconceptions about who ballet is for.
Families interested in learning more about these opportunities and the wider support offered by Skylarks are encouraged to register for free on the charity's website.
