The Royal Ballet School (RBS) reached a cash settlement with a former student, Ellen Elphick, who sued the prestigious ballet school over body shaming, BBC and British news papers reported on 30th January 2025.
Ellen, now 31, attended the school in London, the United Kingdom, between 2009 and 2012. She claimed “the body-shaming she experienced while at the elite institution has left her with lifelong psychological damage,” according to BBC.
“The school said it accepted no liability for the former dancer's case and has not issued an apology,” BBC said.
Dino Nocivelli of Leigh Day solicitors has been representing Ellen. The law firm said, “It is believed to be the first settlement of its kind for body shaming in ballet.”
Leigh Day’s statement details her experiences at the school, which I believe is safe to describe horrifying.
The financial terms of the settlement is not disclosed.
BBC has published some reports about toxic cultures at ballet schools. Do you relate? I personally do.