A space for dancers to be real, not just perfect.

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Beyond the Barre

Beyond the Barre is a digital space for dancers - not to perform, but to reflect.

It holds the parts of the dance world that don’t always make it on stage: the thoughts we carry, the things we question, the ways we grow, even when no one’s watching.

Here you’ll find essays, videos, stories, and anonymous notes that explore everything from perfectionism to injury, burnout to artistry. Some are grounded in research. Others are just things that needed to be said.

This project was built with honesty and intention: to show that being a dancer is more than clean lines and strong technique. It’s also about resilience, uncertainty, softness, and starting again.

Collage of various dance group photos and performances in studios and on stage, featuring dancers in casual attire, trophies, and overlaid with dynamic movement scenes.
Dancers in white outfits performing on stage with arms raised, viewed from the side with a spotlight shining.
Group of people in black clothing huddled together, seen from above.

The Wall

See what other dancers have shared - and leave something behind, if you want to.

The Blog

Read articles that speak to the parts of dance we don’t always share.

Two women sitting on a dance studio floor, wearing black workout clothes, looking at a smartphone."}

Dancer Voices

Hear directly from young dancers navigating the pressure.

Woman performing mountain climber exercise on a yoga mat indoors, wearing black workout attire and a smartwatch.

The Videos

Tutorials, concept pieces, and real moments in motion.

“I used to dance through everything I couldn’t say. Then I built this.”

Jorele Simons

White hand-drawn arrow with loops on a dark blue background.

Get in Touch

Dance studio with wooden ceiling, mirrored wall, and rainbow light reflection. Large windows allow natural sunlight.

Want to Add to the Project?

Acknowledgments

This project was shaped by many generous hands.

To the dancers who shared their voices.
To River Bourne Club for the space.
To Monarch Studios and my students for always inspiring me.
To my supervisor, Richard Wright, for your guidance.
To my mum for helping me see that dance can still be a part of my life, even if I’m doing it differently.

And to every dancer who’s ever felt like their story didn’t fit the mould: this was always for you.