Royal Ballet boss says plus-sized dancers are the future after 'body-shaming' scandal

Are plus-size ballerinas the future?

Iain Mackay, a former ballet dancer who is now artistic director of the Royal Ballet School, told the Times in a recent interview that ‘bigger ballerinas… are the future of the art form,’ and that ballet ‘has moved away from the “slim” female fixture.’ It’s essential that we move away from ballet students being body shamed

'We should encourage this!' Actor backs Royal Ballet after Artistic Director declares plus-size dancers are 'the future'

Actor George Keywood has voiced support for the Royal Ballet School's new direction after its artistic director declared plus-sized dancers are "the future" of ballet.Iain Mackay, who was installed as the Royal Ballet School's artistic director last year, has embraced a more inclusive vision for ballet's future.In an interview with The Times, Mackay said that “audiences want dancers they can relate to” which has resulted in studios distancing th…

Royal Ballet boss says plus-sized dancers are the future after 'body-shaming' scandal

Iain Mackay, who was installed as artistic director last year, also said that same-sex dance partnerships should be normalised

Royal Ballet boss says plus-size ballerinas are the future – I think he’s wrong

Making a dramatic entrance this week, the new head of the Royal Ballet School jetéd onto centre stage, twirled into a pirouette, arabesque, pas de bourré for good measure, and tah-dah! Former student Iain Mackay is back and looks set to ruffle some tutus with his plans to modernise the nearly century-old institution. And he takes the helm amid no small amount of controversy. In January, the school reached a financial settlement with alumna Ellen…

Alumni Spotlight: Jade Heusen  - The Royal Ballet School

Alumni spotlight: Jade Heusen Jade Heusen attended the School and later went on to join Birmingham Royal Ballet until 2018. Jade recently started Ballet Buddy, an initiative to provide personalised mentorship that bridges the gap between dancer, teacher, and therapist, offering a safe space for guidance, reassurance, and clarity.  We spoke with Jade about her time at the School, her career, and Ballet Buddy. When did you begin dancing and what w…

Plus-sized dancers and same-sex partners are the future, says Royal Ballet School boss in wake of 'body-shaming' scandal

Iain Mackay, who became the school's artistic director last September, has said that the future of ballet lies in breaking away from outdated ideals of body image and gender roles.