Dancers in philosophy

BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet is broadening its dancers' education by enrolling them on a bachelor of philosophy degree programme.

The move follows overtures from the ballet's head of education, Jane Hackett, to course designers at Westhill College of Higher Education.

"We wanted to offer our dancers the chance to have continuing professional development, new career prospects, and stimulate the creative environment in the company," she said.

Ten dancers have joined the part-time BPhil programme in applied dance, education and the community, validated by the University of Birmingham. Lecturers and tutorials are to arranged to fit around ballet commitments.