Safe to Be Me®
Discover Safe to Be Me® – our ground-breaking initiative empowering young people throughout Scotland.
Through an innovative blend of dance and film, Safe to Be Me® tackles vital topics like racism, homophobia, ableism, and transphobia. Aligned with key Scottish Government objectives, this programme sparks meaningful conversations on identity, respect, acceptance, family diversity, empathy and allyship, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Since its inception in 2018, Safe to Be Me® has impacted over 14,000 young people across Scotland. Our milestone Safe to Be Me® Festival in 2021 engaged over 2000 participants in live workshops, inspiring talks, film projects, and a poetry challenge. Notably, we premiered the stirring Shimmering Extraordinary film series by Emmy-nominated director FX Goby.
To explore how your school can join this transformative initiative, reach out to us at safetobeme@scottishballet.co.uk.
Safe to Be Me® is made possible by Scottish Ballet’s trusts, patrons and foundation supporters.
#SafetoBeMe
Selkie
Inspired by poet Rachel Plummer’s Selkie, this dance film responds to the poem’s themes of gender and identity, and explores transformation and acceptance.
The Shimmering Extraordinary
These films, created by Emmy Award-nominated director Fx Goby, are a collaboration between Scottish Ballet and Nexus Studios.
Commissioned as part of our Safe to Be Me™ Festival 2021, the films are inspired by the programme’s themes of acceptance, identity, and respect.
Young People
As part of our Safe to Be Me® Festival 2021, young people created original dance and music films responding to the themes of ‘Safe to Be Me’.
Safe To Be Me® in schools
The school strand of Safe to Be Me® explores the core themes of the programme and supports pupils to be safe and confident in who they are.
We learned about how people can be different and nobody is the same, and it’s okay to be different.
Primary 6 pupil
Primary Schools
The primary school strand of Safe to Be Me® explores the core themes through performance and a full-day dance workshop.
Through captivating performances and full-day dance workshops, students delve into themes of identity, respect, allyship, and inclusion. Led by Scottish Ballet’s Engagement team and seasoned dance practitioners, pupils craft their own Safe to Be Me® performance to foster confidence and self-assurance.
Following a successful pilot in Glasgow and Perth, Safe to Be Me® has journeyed to schools across Scotland, including Fort William, Inverness, Aviemore, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Paisley, and beyond.
In 2024, we’ve continued to deliver the programme across Scotland, as well as in Jersey in partnership with Ballet D’Jerri.
Secondary Schools
Scottish Ballet is running a pilot Safe to Be Me® Secondary School programme with Perth Academy.
Embark on a transformative journey with Safe to Be Me® in secondary schools. Our pilot programme at Perth Academy dived into crucial topics like racism, homophobia, ableism, and transphobia through the lens of dance. Guided by expert practitioners, students explore themes of identity, acceptance, and creative self-expression, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.
Recently, we have been working with a secondary school’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion pupil committee to trial a dynamic movement module. These bespoke sessions help pupils to find their voice and creative self-expression while reinforcing the values of the programme.
Together, we create a safe, nurturing environment where young people can authentically express themselves, challenging prejudice and celebrating diversity.
