Royal Ballet Benevolent Fund

The Royal Ballet Benevolent Fund, founded in the 1930’s, relieves hardship amongst members and ex-members of all the British repertory ballet and dance companies – The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Rambert Dance Company, Richard Alston Dance Company, Scottish Ballet and many more.

Many dancers who contributed in the creation of ballet and dance as a national art form received small financial reward and may now have little beyond the State Retirement Pension. It is largely in this area the Fund fulfills its object – providing a reasonable standard of living plus the few comforts we all like to enjoy. The Fund is equally caring of the younger, and probably still performing dancer – except that support is more likely to be temporary and due to injury.

The Fund is not just a cash dispenser and cares for all facing difficulty of any kind. Some need financial support, others someone to visibly care and some of course need both. Away from the hustle and bustle of theatre life, one which is extraordinarily demanding, days can seem dull and lonely and a friendly visit, or telephone call, with the chance to talk, discuss problems, relive past triumphs (and perhaps forget present pain) can make so much difference.

The Fund has a healthy income-producing capital but more is needed to meet ever growing demands. Donations, Gift Aid and bequests will enable the Fund to aid those dancers who gave and who give unstintingly of their talent to bring so much pleasure to others.