Last year I STEPPED UP for STEPPS by doing the Sprint distance, this year I am STEPPING it up by doubling the distance and doing the Olympic length at the Royal Windsor Triathlon on 14th June!!!

You can #steppupforstepps by donating today and in doing so help them to continue to provide training and support for the dance community in order to promote healthy dance practices!

About STEPPS:

Dance is a highly competitive field, often resulting in significant mental and physical challenges for dancers and other professionals who train from a young age. STEPPS aims to provide comprehensive support through mental health education, workshops, and counselling, addressing issues such as body image, anxiety, and the effects of harsh training methods.

Recent scandals in the dance and entertainment industries have shed light on the toxic environments that many dancers endure. Terry Hyde, STEPPS' CEO and a former elite dancer, recognised these challenges first-hand and his experiences motivated him to establish Counselling for Dancers and, subsequently, STEPPS, to advocate for mental well-being within the profession.

In the light of recent scandals, the press turned to STEPPS, including the Times, TV's This Morning, Panorama and a number of radio stations.  These interviews highlighted what young people go through during their years of training. Most felt they could not speak out about the relentless criticism and the fear of not being good enough.

Throughout COVID 19 – Terry offered over 1000 free or reduced cost counselling session giving him a unique insight into the existing and growing problems within the profession. These sessions built confidence, and dealt with problems head-on, such as all too familiar body shaming, intense criticism which had resulting in some eating disorders, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, self-harm, break downs and, in some cases, suicide .

STEPPS is positioned to be a leader in transforming the dance industry's approach to mental health. By fostering a culture of openness and support, STEPPS Board has a wealth of experience and diversity and aims to create a lasting impact on the well-being of dance professionals including dancers of colour, gender non-conforming dancers, neurodivergent dancers and physically disabled dancers initially in the UK and later globally. 

On 14th June our ex-officio trustee, Holly Austin, is doing the Royal Windsor Triathlon for STEPPS. 🏊🏻‍♀️ 🚴🏻‍♀️ 🏃🏻‍♀️

#Steppupforstepps by donating today and in doing so, help us to continue to provide training and support for the dance community in order to promote healthy dance practices! 💛