Blogger’s Note: My three-daughters are all able-bodied and have not suffered any disability in their lives. They have attended well-funded ballet, gymnastic, horse-riding, and martial arts schools where parents quite happily fork-out hundreds of pounds in fees each month (where we live – it is expected). This is why I have changed the rather patronising language of the BBC from “plea” to “required” – with regards to much needed funding. I find it disgusting that the UK government is not funding these schools through the tax it takes off of use each month – instead of gifting huge sums to Neo-Nazi Ukraine or genocide-committing Israel! Disabled people should not have to “beg” for anything – let alone the right to participate in leisure activities that are routine for the able-bodied. ACW (25.10.2026)
Kate Stanforth Academy of Arts
Stanforth said she had deliberately kept her dance classes discounted because she was mindful of the financial struggles faced by many disabled people, but, as a CIC, funding had become a significant struggle.
She said she wanted to expand in-person opportunities, but accessible venues and the subsequent fees for travel and equipment are “incredibly expensive”.
Currently, she is trying to raise £20,000 to allow her to keep the academy running.
“We’re not struggling because there isn’t a need for what we do,” Stanforth said.
“We’re struggling because making dance genuinely accessible costs money, and those costs aren’t always recognised.”
While she is thrilled some of her dancers have moved onto professional opportunities, Stanforth said the classes were about more than that.
“We’ve also seen people find joy in movement again after believing that part of their life was over,” she said.
“I don’t want another generation of disabled dancers growing up believing their ambitions are unrealistic.”
