Pioneering Dancer Joseph Powell-Main becomes Patron of bbodance

Joseph Powell-Main has today become a Patron of bbodance, formerly known as the British Ballet Organization. Joseph is a disabled performer who made waves when he became the first dancer in a wheelchair to work and perform with the Royal Ballet Company. Having trained at the Royal Ballet School, Joseph returned to dance following a hiatus which saw his mobility reduced due to injury and a car accident. Joseph rediscovered his love of dance via Latin and Ballroom competitions for people in wheelchairs and now hopes to help increase inclusivity in dance for all students with different physical abilities.

Mr Powell-Main stated “I am excited to become a Patron of bbodance as I know the organisation is keen to expand and become more accessible towards all dancers, through the syllabus. I feel that is very exciting and the fact that bbodance are already wanting to explore how the syllabus could be more accessible to dancers with differing abilities is really exciting not only for me but also for inclusion in the dance world. I feel that I could use everything that I have learned and continue to learn, to work with bbodance in a very successful way. I truly believe that dance can and will enrich so many people’s lives, regardless of whether it is pursued professionally or not, as many different skills can be applied to other jobs and professions.”

“We are excited and delighted to have Joseph Powell-Main join us as Patron and look forward to working with him to make dance as accessible as possible through our syllabus, examinations and events. Having someone on board who cares so passionately about ensuring dance is inclusive and who can bring such personal experience is invaluable,” stated bbodance CEO, Julie Bowers.

This announcement comes shortly before the organisation’s flagship event, Dance Days, which will take place at Elmhurst during the Easter school break. The event consists of intense multi-genre classes open to all children aged 8 to 18, CPD for dance teachers and closes with a performance opportunity and awards ceremony which will be hosted by fellow Patron Cynthia Harvey.