Darcey Bussell on Dance, Determination, and Giving Back

Dame Darcey Bussell DBE is one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation, a former Principal of The Royal Ballet, and a passionate advocate for the power of movement. While many know her from her time on Strictly Come Dancing or as the President of the Royal Academy of Dance, Bussell’s influence extends far beyond the stage. She is committed to making dance accessible to all, breaking down barriers that might make people feel intimidated by the art form.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Diverse Dance Mix (DDMIX), the charity Bussell founded with the goal of getting people moving in a fun and inclusive way. DDMIX encourages fitness through a variety of global dance styles, ensuring that exercise never feels like a chore. “The aim is to get people moving without being intimidated by the word ‘dance’ or the technicality of the steps,” Bussell explains. “It’s about full-body movement, and it’s so much fun that you don’t even notice you’re exercising.”

Beyond DDMIX, Bussell continues to champion dance through her role as Chair of the Board at Theatre Royal Plymouth and as the founder of Move-Assure, a movement-based initiative designed to support mental well-being. With a career dedicated to performance, education, and advocacy, she remains a leading voice in promoting the benefits of dance—both as an art form and a tool for health and happiness.

In an interview with Bracken Jelier as part of the #LetsDance Campaign, Bussell explores the deep impact of dance on physical and mental well-being, its role in fostering confidence and social connection, and the evolving landscape for aspiring dancers.

Darcey Bussell’s journey into dance was not one of instant passion but rather a practical necessity. As a young child, she had severe knock-knees, and her mother, recognising the potential benefits of dance, enrolled her in ballet classes to help correct her posture and alignment. “It instantly changed my very, very knocked knees,” Darcey recalls. “A lot of people just go, oh, you wouldn’t have had knock-knees, that’s impossible. But I’ve got pictures that prove it at the age of four and five.” However, ballet was not her first love. She describes herself as a fidget, constantly moving, and simply enjoyed the opportunity to impress her teacher rather than aspiring to be a ballerina.

Her true inspiration came from the world of film, particularly the black-and-white musicals starring Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. “I just thought, God, could I be Fred Astaire? Why couldn’t I be in those films doing those extraordinary routines?” It was the magic of musical theatre and dance on screen that first sparked her real passion. Over time, Darcey began to appreciate the discipline of classical ballet, realising it provided her with strength, confidence, and resilience. “It gave me a dedication, a commitment, and a tenacity. I suddenly thought, wow, I can take this further.”

That moment of realisation came around the age of 10 or 11 when she decided to pursue dance more seriously. Initially attending a stage school, she explored various styles before choosing to focus on classical ballet. By 15 or 16, she knew this was her path. “It was quite late because, in classical ballet terms, you have to commit very early. The body has to adapt, like an athlete. But maybe because I was so far behind everybody else, it gave me a bit more fight.”

Many young dancers lose their passion for the art during their teenage years, but for Darcey, there was no alternative. “I knew this had to work. I had to make this work. I didn’t have anything to fall back on because I was very dyslexic. Academically, in the classroom, I found it frustrating because no matter how hard I worked, I wasn’t moving the bar. But in the studio, I could move the bar.” That determination drove her to put in more hours and push herself to be noticed. “It’s really hard for me to comprehend when people say, ‘Oh, I stopped because of that.’ I just didn’t have that thought.”

When asked how to help young people maintain their motivation in dance, she acknowledges the challenge. “You have to be so blinkered in those areas of commitment that you are going to make whatever the situation work for you.” She also recognises that today’s generation has more choices than ever before. “It doesn’t matter what background you come from—if you really passionately want something, you will make it work.” She firmly believes that success is “90% hard work and commitment and only 10% talent.”

Support from a mentor or teacher is also invaluable. “Of course, having a caring, loving individual by your side saying, ‘You can do this’ makes a huge difference.” While her mother was a big supporter, it was her teachers who truly inspired her. “Thank God for teachers, and we should be celebrating them more. They were the people that kept me going.”

Darcey is passionate about making dance accessible to all. “Wouldn’t it be incredible if we could open that door so everybody could have a chance to experience dance, musical theatre, or drama? It would be a change-maker for so many kids.” She believes that even for those who don’t pursue a career in the arts, the experience itself broadens horizons and fosters understanding. “You learn so much about psychology when you do the arts.”

Reflecting on Plymouth’s vibrant dance community, she is inspired by the dedication of local dance organisations and volunteers. “Dance is the most giving art. I hear it again and again, wherever I’ve performed. There are so many incredible art forms, but dance is something you give all of your experience to—you pass it on. You don’t hold anything back. It’s a natural way of giving back.”

Returning to Plymouth holds a special place for Darcey. Having performed in the city multiple times, she fondly remembers her experiences in the Lyric at Theatre Royal Plymouth. “It’s one of the best stages for dance. The auditorium’s design gives everyone a great view, and the stage itself is a fantastic space for performers.”

With her unwavering commitment to dance and inspiring the next generation, Darcey Bussell continues to be a powerful advocate for the art form. Her story is a testament to the impact of resilience, dedication, and the support of great teachers in shaping a dancer’s journey.

“The importance of introducing dance into schools at a young age is something I am incredibly passionate about. By incorporating dance into physical education, we can break down inhibitions surrounding what dance is and encourage children to simply have fun being physical. It should never replace sports, but rather complement them, fostering confidence and collaboration. One of the most rewarding experiences for me was organising an event at the Guildhall with six schools, where I worked directly with children to deliver dance experiences. Seeing their enthusiasm and engagement was truly inspiring.”

“On a personal level, I have always been drawn to city life, having been born and raised in London. However, as I have grown older, I have come to appreciate the importance of escaping to nature. The ocean, in particular, has become an essential part of my well-being. Plymouth offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant cultural scene with an incredible theatre at its heart, set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful harbors in the UK. The connection between the city and the sea makes it a unique and exciting place to live and work.”

“In my role as chair of the board, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a theatre that is the second-largest hub for dance in the UK, after London. Dance has been my lifelong passion, and I am thrilled to see how much the theatre already does to support and showcase it. While there are always exciting new projects on the horizon—some of which I cannot yet discuss—I am confident that the theatre is on the right path in continuing to elevate dance and its integral role in the performing arts. Dance is woven into so many productions, from musical theatre to plays, and highlighting its significance is something I am honored to be involved with.”

The impact of dance on both physical and mental well-being is undeniable. Scientifically, it supports key aspects of health, aligning with the NHS’s five pillars of well-being: connection, giving, learning, being active, and taking notice.

“Dance fosters confidence, improves posture, strengthens muscles, and enhances balance,” says Darcey Bussell. “The way a dancer carries themselves exudes a sense of self-assurance that stems from understanding their body.”

Beyond the physical benefits, dance is a powerful tool for emotional expression and social bonding. In a world where so much of our interaction happens through screens, dance brings people together, teaching them to read and respond to body language in ways that words cannot.

“Studies have shown that people who dance together behave more kindly and respectfully towards one another,” Bussell explains. “For children, especially, dance helps them navigate their emotions and break down social barriers, ensuring that as they mature, they feel comfortable in their own skin.”

For aspiring dancers, commitment and perseverance are key. As Bussell acknowledges, “Dance, much like acting, is not a stable career with constant work, so maintaining skills and training is essential.” The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how dancers could continue their practice independently, with online resources offering new ways to refine their craft. Platforms such as Rambert’s digital classes and other free opportunities have made dance more accessible, allowing those facing financial constraints to keep learning and improving.

Versatility is also crucial in today’s dance industry. “Choreographers expect dancers to be adaptable across various styles—contemporary, jazz, street, hip-hop, ballet, and tap,” Bussell notes. “While mastering one discipline is important, stepping outside one’s comfort zone and exploring new styles is what truly shapes an artist.” 

She also emphasises the value of drawing inspiration from different influences—whether from nature, other art forms, or personal experiences—to expand creative expression and enhance performance. For those who have never experienced dance, there are many ways to engage. Watching performances online is a great starting point, offering access to a vast array of choreographers and companies. However, Bussell believes nothing compares to seeing dance live. “Plymouth’s theatre scene offers a diverse selection, from large-scale productions to intimate community-led performances in The Drum [at Theatre Royal Plymouth],” she says. “There are also outreach programs that bring dance directly into the community.”

Her advice to anyone curious about dance is simple: just give it a try. “Attending a performance, participating in a workshop, or even just moving to music at home can be the first step toward discovering the joy and transformative power of dance.”

Whether as a form of self-expression, a career pursuit, or simply a way to stay active, dance has the power to uplift, connect, and inspire people of all ages. As Bussell’s insights reveal, it is not just an art form—it is a way of life.