What happens when the thing you love most becomes the hardest thing you do?

A serious injury can threaten more than your career – it can shake your entire sense of who you are. In this activity you'll hear from a Royal Ballet soloist who had to rebuild both his body and his belief that he belonged.

This activity is designed to be flexible and can be used as follows:

  • During a lesson - 35 minutes. Students work in pairs and then share their reflections with the rest of the class.
  • During tutor time - 25 minutes. Students watch the video independently and then discuss one of the topics together.
  • As homework - Students watch the video on their own and complete the reflection at their own pace.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • Gatsby Benchmark 5
  • PSHE Association KS3 codes H2, L10, L12
  • PSHE Association KS4 codes H2, L5

1. Before you start

Take a moment to think about the following question:

  • Think of something you care about so much it feels like part of who you are - a sport, a subject, a hobby, a skill. What would it feel like if you suddenly couldn't do it?

If you're working with a partner or team, share and compare your thoughts before continuing.

2. Watch the video

v0019 square

Benjamin Ella - Ballet Dancer & Choreographer

Benjamin is a soloist at the Royal Ballet, performing on stage at the Royal Opera House in London. In this video he talks about the magic of live performance, a serious injury that made him question his identity, the childhood assumption that almost stopped him dancing, and what he's learned as he prepares to retire after 17 seasons.

While watching the video, listen for the following:

  • What happened to Benjamin early in his career, and how did it change how he thought about himself?
  • What assumption did Benjamin have about ballet as a child - and what changed his mind?

3. Reflect and discuss

First, add a personal reflection based on the following:

  • What is one thing from Benjamin's story that made you think differently about how your interests shape who you are?

Next, think about the following and discuss with your partner or group:

  • Benjamin says his identity got "locked up" in being a dancer. What does he mean by that? Can you think of other situations where this might happen to someone?
  • Benjamin assumed ballet wasn't for boys. What stereotypes have you noticed about certain careers or activities? Where do you think those ideas come from?
  • Benjamin's advice to his younger self is "trust the process" when things get hard. What would it take for you to keep going when something you care about becomes really difficult?