Ellen Elphick, a former student of the Royal Ballet School (RBS), has settled a legal dispute with the institution, claiming it breached its duty of care during her time there from 2009 to 2012. Elphick's allegations center around severe body-shaming and bullying, which she asserts exacerbated her struggles with disordered eating. The settlement highlights a pressing issue within the ballet industry, as Elphick joins over 50 other ex-dancers who have reported a toxic culture at several leading ballet schools in the UK.
At the age of 16, Elphick endured public humiliation at the hands of a teacher who traced a line around her body in front of a mirror. This incident deeply affected her mental health and plunged her into a cycle of shame. "If I had a knife, this is what I would cut off," she recalled, emphasizing the severe impact of the experience on her well-being.
Despite reaching a financial settlement, Elphick expressed disappointment over the absence of an apology from RBS. "That they couldn't even say 'sorry' shows there is so much more to do," she said. Her case reflects a broader issue in the ballet world, where body image pressures and bullying have been reported by numerous dancers.
Dino Nocivelli, the solicitor representing Elphick, stated that this settlement underscores the urgent need for RBS to prioritize health and well-being over mere performance. "This settlement highlights the abuse dancers have suffered and the need for change," he noted. Furthermore, he reiterated calls for a government inquiry into body-shaming practices within ballet.
Elphick feels a degree of validation from the settlement but continues to grapple with the psychological scars left by her experiences. "It was about making people aware of what being a ballerina is really like and showing that what happened to me was unacceptable," she explained. She emphasized that RBS must take responsibility and lead the way in fostering a culture that values health and well-being more than just artistic excellence.
A spokesperson for RBS stated that the school remains committed to ensuring the welfare of its students, emphasizing its dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment. However, critics argue that more decisive action is required to address the systemic issues highlighted by Elphick's case and those of other dancers.
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