Supporting Change: The identification and development of talented young dancers with disabilities

In 2013, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance partnered with Dance4, a national dance agency in the UK, to conduct research into the identification and development of talented young dancers with physical disabilities. Broadly, the aims of this research were to: assess the applicability of existing criteria used to identify individuals with potential to identifying talented dancers with disabilities, and explore the barriers to opportunities in dance faced by disabled dancers. In doing so, recommendations were made for greater access and provision. This research culminated in two published peer reviewed journal articles and a symposium with key policy makers and teachers working with and supporting young dancers with disabilities.