250 children from 5 Blackpool primary schools try free workshops in major Royal Ballet centenary project

Around 250 children at five Blackpool primary schools are getting their first taste of ballet this week, free of charge, through workshops led by dancers from the Royal Ballet.

The workshops form part of a national project marking the Royal Ballet School’s centenary, with Blackpool among just six locations across the country selected to take part. Blackpool South MP Chris Webb said the town’s inclusion reflects its ongoing participation in the Royal Ballet’s Primary Steps programme, which he fought to keep going last year.

Webb said: “Culture shouldn’t be the preserve of those who can afford it. It belongs in every child’s education.” He also highlighted the role creativity can play in children’s health and wellbeing, saying it is increasingly seen as the ‘forgotten fifth pillar of health and wellbeing’.

Dance, Mr Webb said, helps children get moving, build confidence and find ways to express themselves. “Every child deserves that chance, whatever their background,” Webb said, adding that the workshops also underline the importance of making cultural opportunities accessible to children across Blackpool, regardless of their circumstances.

The MP also went on to link the initiative to his support for the town’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, arguing that culture should be recognised as part of everyday life in the community.

“It’s one of the reasons I’m backing our bid for UK City of Culture 2029,” he said, explaining that the project offers an opportunity to challenge perceptions of the town and create new opportunities for younger generations. “Culture isn’t just the Tower and the Illuminations. It’s in our classrooms and neighbourhoods and it should be open to everyone.

“It’s time to change the narrative for young people here and show Blackpool in a new light.”