News Story
We’re delighted to announce a new three-year strategic partnership with the University of Birmingham.
The partnership strengthens shared activity across research, education, talent development and public engagement, with a collective ambition to create meaningful impact in public health, the creative industries and cultural life at local, national and international levels.
This partnership marks an exciting step forward for Birmingham Royal Ballet and for the city we proudly represent. Working closely with the University of Birmingham enables us to place dancer health and wellbeing at the heart of our work, support the next generation of talent and ensure ballet continues to evolve in ways that feel relevant, inclusive and inspiring for audiences today and in the future.Carlos Acosta, Director
Advancing dancer health and wellbeing
Supporting dancer health and performance will be a central focus of the partnership. Researchers from the University will collaborate closely with BRB’s Jerwood Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Dance Injuries to deepen understanding in areas including safeguarding, bone health, nutrition and psychological resilience.
The knowledge developed through this work is expected not only to enhance the wellbeing and longevity of professional dancers, but also to contribute to broader insight into physical and mental health across society.
Expanding education and career pathways
The partnership will also broaden opportunities for students through placements, collaborative research and the development of new professional pathways within the creative industries.
Previous postgraduate collaborations have already enabled more than 20 University alumni to progress into roles connected with the Company, demonstrating the tangible impact of sustained partnership working and the strength of the long-standing relationship between the two organisations.
Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the city’s most treasured cultural organisations, and we are delighted to formalise a partnership that builds on many years of successful collaboration. By bringing together world-leading research and exceptional artistic excellence, we can generate new knowledge, enhance wellbeing and create opportunities that benefit our communities as well as the wider cultural sectorProfessor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of University of Birmingham
Innovation in learning and audience engagement
Collaboration with Birmingham Business School continues to explore how artistic practice can shape new approaches to learning and engagement. The specialist module Understanding Consumer Behaviour Through Dance examines how knowledge is formed through both cognitive and physical experience.
This work is helping to generate fresh thinking around audience connection, cultural participation and long-term sustainability within the cultural economy, reinforcing Birmingham’s position as a centre for creative innovation.
A shared civic and global vision
BRB and the university have previously partnered on international initiatives, including activity in China and a recent United States collaboration connected to Black Sabbath – The Ballet.
This newly formalised agreement strengthens a shared civic commitment to supporting young people, championing dancer wellbeing and creating artistically ambitious work that resonates with contemporary audiences – extending Birmingham’s cultural influence on a global stage.
