The Royal Ballet School announces Nadiya Bychkova and Karim Zeroual as Ambassadors of Primary Steps on Demand

We are delighted to announce Strictly stars Nadiya Bychkova and Karim Zeroual have partnered with The Royal Ballet School as Ambassadors of Primary Steps on Demand, our innovative programme bringing online creative dance classes to primary school children.

Following 17 years of success of the in-person Primary Steps programme, Primary Steps on Demand was launched in 2022 with the mission of making dance education available to all children. The programme takes an innovative approach to teaching dance, placing emphasis on developing students’ creativity and independent thinking skills.

Primary Steps on Demand offers a library of high-energy dance classes with live music; movement guides (including warm-ups and cool-downs); complete lesson plans and resources for pupils; inspirational footage of talented Royal Ballet School dancers and CPD webinars and sessions for teachers, enabling all schools to teach dance with confidence.

Nadiya and Karim bring their passion for dance and commitment to widening access to the arts to The Royal Ballet School. With a wealth of experience in dance, acting, and television, Nadiya and Karim will help the School increase the programme’s reach, ensuring all children can enjoy the many benefits of dance.

Nadiya Bychkova

Nadiya is a renowned two-time world and European champion Latin and ballroom dancer. She has featured in the Bosnian version of Strictly Come Dancing and, in 2017, was asked to join BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, where she has been featured as a professional dancer since. Nadiya has made several notable appearances in a number of shows, including co-headlining a tour of Here Come The Boys and Once Upon A Time with Kai Widdrington, set to be repeated in 2024 with a brand-new production Behind The Magic.

Nadiya expressed her excitement about her new role as Ambassador:

I’m delighted to be an Ambassador for The Royal Ballet School’s Primary Steps on Demand programme. Dance is such an important part of my life, and it is a privilege to be involved in a programme that enriches the lives of countless children across the UK and worldwide.

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to nurture creativity and self-expression. This programme gives young people the opportunity and skills to be curious with movement, collaborate and express themselves creatively and confidently. I can’t wait to get started!  

Karim Zeroual

Karim Zeroual is a television presenter and theatre performer, well-known for his role anchoring CBBC since 2014. In 2019, Karim featured on Strictly Come Dancing, where he was a runner-up in the competition with partner Amy Dowden. Karim has an extensive background in acting, performing and dancing, starring in TV shows such as EastEnders, Da Vinci’s Demons, The Sparticle Mystery, on the West End stage in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Lion King, Here Come the Boys, Peter Pan, and Madagascar, and in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.

Karim said:

I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for Primary Steps on Demand, which opens up access to dance for children of all backgrounds. It’s such an easy way to get all children moving and enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of dance.

This platform encompasses everything I love about dance: fun, creativity and energy! I am very excited about the programme, and I look forward to working closely with The Royal Ballet School to spread the word.  

Learn more about Primary Steps on Demand.