Why Support the BBO?
As a registered arts charity with no access to public funding, the BBO does not have the means to finance the growth and developments necessary to widen its reach and secure its position as one of the country's most renowned dance organisations.
The BBO has invested heavily in its commitment to quality over the past 80 years, without relying on additional funding, and with any surpluses going straight back into developing its programmes. As the organisation celebrates its 80th Anniversary and looks back over the tremendous progress it has made to achieve its place at the top of the dance spectrum, it also remains firmly focused on securing its future.
To ensure that the organisation continues to play a fundamental role in this country's cultural life, the BBO must invest in much-needed facility improvements, regional programmes and more resources for its teachers and students. As such, the BBO Development Fund has been set up to help raise funds towards these crucial projects.
Beneficiaries of your support:- Thousands of aspiring dancers of all ages, experience and abilities. The BBO's wide range of dance programmes and examinations attracts people from all over the UK and internationally; inspiring creativity, fuelling imaginations and boosting confidence
- The young dancing stars of tomorrow. Pupils showing exceptional talent from an early age have the opportunity to audition for the BBO Scholarship Programme. Subsequently, many Scholars go on to vocational training and pursue professional careers.
- Dance teachers of all ages. Through its flagship teaching courses, the BBO offers career routes for teachers at all stages of the profession
- The UK's cultural landscape. Through its intensive Scholarship Programme and highly acclaimed teaching courses, the BBO is continually feeding the dance industry with exceptional talent
Former BBO Scholar and currently with the Birmingham Royal Ballet
Benefits to Donors include:- Invitations to exclusive BBO events, presenting excellent networking opportunities with the great and the good from the dance world
- The chance to witness the as yet undiscovered work of the country's next generation of dancers and teachers on their way to professional prominence
- Acknowledgement on the BBO web site and in the organisation's magazine, The Dancer (readership over 10,000 internationally)
- Subscription to The Dancer
- The opportunity to share in the BBO's mission of advocating "Dance For All," whilst safeguarding the future of one of the UK's most treasured dance organisations
BBO male students at Dance Days, held in Birmingham at the Elmhurst School for Dance.
Alongside the BBO Development Fund, the organisation has identified the following projects which require additional funding:
The BBO Scholarship ProgrammeAs part of its mission to continue training students regardless of their financial background, the BBO currently subsidises every place on this intensive training programme. Additional funding would mean that the BBO would not have to increase the Scholars' contribution to the Scheme and risk turning away gifted young artists due to their financial circumstances. We are also planning to extend this programme into Scotland to reach wider audiences and those talented individuals unable to meet the costs of travelling south.
"The BBO produces highly accomplished and versatile dancers who continue to reach the top of the dance profession." BBO Patron, Wayne Sleep OBE
The BBO Regional Development ProgrammeTo further its charitable objectives and widen participation, this programme will help more people become actively involved in dance and boost the exposure of the BBO around the country. This would involve employing a Regional Development Coordinator to liaise with the BBO's 9 UK regions and manage effective dance and outreach programmes.