If you’ve ever taught a contemporary class built on light, quick footwork, you’ve probably felt Richard Alston’s influence. This week the dance world lost one of its great makers. We’ve also got good news on DBS fees for dance schools, a new appeal for trainee teachers and funding news from Wales.
Remembering Sir Richard Alston
The choreographer Sir Richard Alston died on the morning of Monday 7 September, aged 77. The Place has published a moving obituary for Sir Richard Alston, written by Alastair Macaulay. He studied at the London School of Contemporary Dance, directed Rambert and later led the Richard Alston Dance Company. The Guardian called him a trailblazer and guiding light of British dance.
What this means for your school: it’s a good week to show your older students some of his work and talk about how British contemporary dance grew.
Lower DBS fees from 5 October
Here’s some welcome news. DBS announced on 9 September that it reduces fees for checks and the Update Service from 5 October 2026. From that date:
- Enhanced DBS check: £41.00 (down from £49.50)
- Standard DBS check: £20.00 (down from £21.50)
- Basic DBS check: £20.00 (down from £21.50)
- Update Service: £15.00 a year (down from £16.00)
Volunteer checks stay free. The organisation that processes a check may add its own admin fee.
Our partner BDSA can help here too. Its Dance Schools and Studios membership includes a DBS checking service. Since 1 September, BDSA has also run its Dance Safe Register, where schools can claim their listing and work towards accreditation.
What this means for your school: checking your team now costs less, so it’s a great time to make sure everyone has the right check for their role.
Supporting the next generation of teachers
The ISTD launched Support Dance Teaching on 5 September, International Day of Charity. The appeal raises money for bursaries, awards and professional development for aspiring dance teachers. ISTD says more than 100 teachers around the world have already received bursary support.
What this means for your school: if you’ve got an assistant who’d love to qualify but is worried about cost, bursaries like these are worth looking into.
Wales reopens its Major Productions Fund
The Arts Council of Wales has reopened its Major Productions Fund. It offers grants of £100,000 to £300,000 for ambitious, large scale theatre, dance and musical theatre in Wales. Applications opened on 9 September and close at 1pm on 18 November 2026. It’s aimed at experienced organisations with a track record.
What this means for your school: this one is mainly for producing companies. If you work with a Welsh venue or company, though, there could be chances for your students to get involved.
This week’s tip
With fees coming down on 5 October, check which of your team will need a new or upgraded check this term. Then pop a reminder in your diary. This is general guidance, not legal advice. If you’re unsure about a particular role, check gov.uk or get advice.
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