Disability designer Victoria Jenkins creates adaptive ballet costume for disabled dancer’s first Sadler’s Wells Performance

Image shows English National Ballet’s Alice Bellini and dancer Denecia Allen in rehearsals. The image is in black and white. Image credit: Bella Turolla

Disability advocate Victoria Jenkins, the creative force behind adaptive fashion brand Unhidden and Fashion Roundtable’s Representation and Inclusion Committee Co-Chair, has announced a transformative collaboration with icandance, a London-based charity that empowers disabled children and young people through dance and performance. 

Victoria has over 14 years of experience in the fashion industry and starred on Channel 4’s Unique Boutique – a must-watch where inclusive fashion lovers and designers created bespoke outfits for every-body. Now, the visionary designer has created a bespoke ballet costume for 18-year-old wheelchair-using dancer, Denecia Allen. Denecia will wear the dress to perform with English National Ballet’s Alice Bellini at the Empower In Motion Gala at Sadler’s Wells in February.

After meeting with Denecia to understand the barriers she was experiencing with conventional dancewear, Victoria designed something not only aesthetically beautiful, but something which also allows Denecia maximum freedom of movement and comfort while performing in her wheelchair.

Of the collaboration, Victoria said:

“It has been wonderful working with and getting to know Denecia and what she needs from her costumes; a conversation I hope to continue as her dance career continues!

“The premise of the performance is wonderful and also something I hope to see grow as this community begins to be seen (and heard) on stage and on screen. I am very proud to be a very small part of this fantastic occasion.”

Undoubtedly, this collaboration exemplifies the power of adaptive fashion in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all individuals to showcase their talents.

Denecia said:

“We may be a bit different on the outside but inside we are all the same. People should come and see what dance is truly about and not think about the negative of things but just the happiness and joy.’

Image shows Victoria meeting with Denecia. They are both sat around a table looking at dress designs and fabric swatches. image credit: Lewis Dryburgh.

For more in this space, listen to our podcast with Victoria on adaptive fashion and her top policy asks for advocating for inclusivity in the fashion space, click below. Transcript included.