Royal Ballet School Reaches Financial Settlement with Former Student Over Humiliating Comments

Former Royal Ballet School student Ellen Elphick has reached a financial settlement with the prestigious institution after accusing teachers of making body-shaming remarks that led to her eating disorders.

Elphick, who attended the school from ages 16 to 19, recalls a teacher publicly criticizing her body, pointing out parts that were “too fat or disgusting”, and saying, “If I had a knife, I would cut all of this off.” She is one of at least 50 dancers who have reported similar experiences to the BBC. Now 31, she continues to struggle with anorexia and body dysmorphia, conditions that prevented her from pursuing a professional dance career.

School Does Not Admit Liability or Offer Apology

Despite the settlement, the Royal Ballet School has neither admitted responsibility nor issued an apology, stating only that it “takes student well-being very seriously.”

“This was never about money,” said Elphick. “Children should be able to train in dance without suffering the same harm I did.”

Her lawyer, Dino Nocivelli, added: “It’s time for the ballet world to acknowledge its responsibility and the harm it has caused dancers.”

Since 2019, Elphick has run her own dance school in Surrey, aiming to create a healthier training environment for young dancers.