This Mental Health Awareness Week, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and mental health charity SANE launch an award in memory of the late Strictly star and SANE ambassador, Robin Windsor.
The Robin Windsor Dance Award is a nationwide competition recognising an individual who has harnessed the power of dance and movement to help them through challenging times, overcome adversity and enhance their mental wellbeing.
The award was revealed by the RAD and SANE at the star-studded tribute show, Robin Windsor: The Final Act, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London, last November, which was created and organised by Strictly dancers Pasha Kovalev and Anya Garnis and produced by Strictly Theatre Co. and Rise Up Arts with permission from Robin’s family. The event celebrated the life and legacy of the charismatic dance star who sadly passed away in February 2024.
The award will be for an individual whose mental health has been transformed by dance, and who would benefit from receiving extra mentorship and funding to help them on their dance journey. The awardee will receive a monetary prize of £500 and a dance lesson with a leading dance professional.
Marjorie Wallace CBE, Chief Executive of SANE, said: “Robin Windsor was not only a dazzling dancer; he was also one of SANE’s most passionate ambassadors. Though ‘Dancing through darkness’ became our tribute to him, it captures his spirit, always encouraging others to move, to dance, and to heal. Robin spoke bravely about his struggles, hoping to help others feel less alone. We at SANE are proud to honour his legacy through this new award, in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Dance.”
Alexander Campbell, Artistic Director of the RAD, said: “In memory of Robin Windsor, the RAD and SANE have launched an award that honours Robin’s passion for dance and his dedication to mental health advocacy. Robin believed deeply in the power of movement to heal, uplift and connect. This award seeks to recognise dancers who embody that same spirit.”
The benefits of dance to our health are numerous. Dancing keeps us fit, improves balance and coordination, and provides a sense of community and connection to other people. For our mental and emotional health specifically, dance nurtures our minds and bodies, helping us to boost our mood and manage stress levels.
SANE runs a national out-of-hours helpline and campaigns to improve services for anyone suffering mental-ill health, their families and carers. It also promotes and hosts research at its Prince of Wales International Centre for SANE Research in Oxford.
The RAD is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organisations. Its work brings dance to diverse communities around the world, widening access to dance and sharing the benefits and wellbeing that dance brings. The RAD produces a wide range of classes and programmes designed to improve mental health, including ballet classes for cancer patients at its HQ in London.
To apply, visit: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/robin-windsor-dance-award/. The closing date for applications is Friday 13 June.
