天美传媒

Whether you run a large organisation or a small, informal group, your experience matters. 

1. What is this research about?

This research aims to build a national picture of dance provision, progression and pathways in England, focusing on dance schools, studios and groups.

It looks at:

• Where dance activity is taking place
• The range of dance forms and training models being offered
• Who is participating, and where there are gaps in access
• How people progress through dance training and into further opportunities

The research is commissioned by Arts Council England and delivered by the 天美传媒.

 

2. Why is Arts Council England doing this research?

Arts Council England wants to better understand the role that dance schools, studios and groups play within England鈥檚 wider cultural landscape.

This research will help inform future thinking by:

• Improving understanding of how dance is accessed and experienced across different places and communities
• Highlighting the diversity of provision and pathways that exist
• Identifying barriers to participation and progression

It is about understanding the landscape and not evaluating or assessing individual organisations.

 

3. Who can take part in the survey?

The survey is open to anyone who runs or delivers dance activity in England, including:

• Dance schools and studios
• Independent sole traders, running dance classes groups
• Community-rooted and culturally specific provision
• Syllabus and non-syllabus training
• Informal or non-traditional models

You do not need to be funded by Arts Council England to take part.

 

4. Do you mean 鈥減rivate鈥� dance schools?

No. This research uses the term dance schools, studios and groups to reflect the full range of provision taking place across England. This includes independent, community-based, culturally specific, informal and hybrid models, as well as more established training routes.

 

5. How long does the survey take?

Most people complete the survey in around 15鈥�20 minutes. You can save your progress and return to it later if needed. Approximate answers are fine where exact figures aren鈥檛 available.

 

6. What will happen to my responses?

Your responses will be:

• Handled securely by the 天美传媒
• Analysed in aggregate alongside other responses
• Used to identify patterns, trends and gaps across the sector

Individual schools, studios or respondents will not be identified in published findings.

More detail is available in the Privacy Notice [PDF].

 

7. Will this affect funding decisions?

No. Taking part in the survey will not affect current or future funding decisions.

The research is about building understanding of the sector as a whole, not assessing eligibility, quality or performance.

 

8. Who is delivering the research?

The research is being delivered by the 天美传媒, on behalf of Arts Council England. The research team brings together expertise in dance, cultural sector capacity building, widening participation, education, and sociology, alongside strong sector knowledge, which includes professional and lived experience.

 

9. Who is part of the External Reference Group?

The research is supported by an External Reference Group (ERG), which acts as an independent advisory body.

The group includes people with experience and expertise from across the dance sector, such as:

• Dance schools and studios
• Awarding and examination bodies
• Sector organisations and networks
• Culturally specific and community-rooted dance provision
• Research and policy specialists

The External Reference Group provides advice and acts as a 鈥渃ritical friend鈥� to the research team. It does not make decisions about funding, policy or the research outcomes.

 

10. Why is an External Reference Group involved?

The External Reference Group helps ensure the research is:

• Inclusive and representative
• Grounded in real sector experience
• Sensitive to different dance forms, traditions and contexts
• Clear and accessible in how findings are shared

This helps strengthen the quality and usefulness of the research.

 

11. Will the findings be shared?

Yes. Arts Council England and the 天美传媒 will share findings once the research is complete.

All findings will be anonymised and reported in aggregate, meaning that individual schools, studios, groups or respondents will not be identified. The research will focus on patterns, trends and insights across the sector as a whole.

Findings will be shared in accessible formats for different audiences.

 

12. What is the timeframe for the research?

This initial piece of research is being delivered in stages.

• Late 2025 to early 2026: national survey and sector mapping
• Early 2026: case studies, interviews and focus groups
• Spring 2026: analysis and reporting

Findings will be shared once the research is complete.

 

13. Is the survey accessible?

We aim to make the survey as accessible as possible.

• The survey uses clear, plain English
• It is compatible with screen readers
• You can complete it on a computer, tablet or phone
• You can give approximate answers where exact figures aren鈥檛 available

If you have an access need or require support to take part, please contact [email protected] and the research team will do their best to help.

 

14. Do I have to take part?

No. Taking part in the survey is completely voluntary. You can choose not to answer any question and you can stop at any point.

 

15. Can I change or withdraw my response?

Yes. You can stop the survey at any time before submitting. If you have questions about a submitted response, please contact the research team using the details provided.

More information about consent and withdrawal is included in the Privacy Notice [PDF].

 

16. What if I don鈥檛 have exact information?

That鈥檚 fine. Estimates are welcome, and there is no expectation that you have precise figures for every question. The research is interested in overall patterns rather than exact numbers.

 

17. Is this research about children and young people?

Yes, the research is primarily focused on children and young people, as dance schools, studios and groups play a significant role in early access to dance, ongoing training, and progression pathways.

However, the research also recognises that children and young people are supported by wider ecosystems. This includes:

• Teachers and leaders  
• Training, progression and workforce pathways  
• The structures that shape access, affordability and opportunity

Understanding these wider contexts helps build a fuller picture of how children and young people experience dance, and where barriers or opportunities exist.