The launch of Oxford United’s 2026/27 away kit brought together two distinctive sides of Oxford’s identity: football and the performing arts.
Inspired by the city’s rich creative scene, the campaign placed movement, music and performance at its heart, with Oxford School of Ballet dancer Heather Knight taking centre stage. Featured in a cinematic campaign film shot at the New Theatre Oxford, Heather performed an original ballet routine to a new interpretation of Foals’ "What Went Down," creating a striking celebration of the talent, culture and creativity that exist across the city.
For Oxford School of Ballet, Heather’s involvement provided an opportunity to showcase not only her own talent but also the work of an institution that has been part of Oxford’s cultural fabric for almost five decades.
Founded in 1978 and now directed by Esme Calcutt, Oxford School of Ballet is the longest-running ballet school in the city, welcoming dancers of all ages and abilities and helping generations of students discover the physical, creative and personal benefits of ballet.
Following Heather’s starring role in the Away Kit campaign, we caught up with Esme to find out more about the school’s history, its place within the Oxford community, and what makes the city such a special home for dance.
Could you tell us a little about the Oxford School of Ballet and how it first started?
Oxford School of Ballet began in 1978 and was directed by Mary Colegrove for an incredible 43 years before being taken over by me in 2021. It is the longest-running ballet school in the city.
How long has the school been part of the Oxford community, and how has it evolved over the years?
The school has an extremely large heritage and connection with Oxford and has only had a handful of Principals in its time, all connected by teaching, training and examining together. Before 1978, it was known as the Ryder-Christian School and had a close connection to the Church venue where we still have classes today.
What makes Oxford School of Ballet such a special place for young dancers?
We pride ourselves on offering quality tuition from experienced and qualified teachers to all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome to come and learn ballet and see what benefits it can offer, whether that be physical, intellectual, emotional, etc. We ‘only’ do ballet, and therefore really focus on all it has to offer, with an extremely rich history and range of repertoire to be inspired by.
Why is being based in Oxford important to you, and what does the city mean to the school?
Oxford is a wonderfully cool city, with such a diverse and talented collection of people. All coming together in such historic and important surroundings. So, we love being part of that, and the fact that the city draws so many different types of people to it, whether that be for work, education or recreation.
How has the local community supported the school throughout its journey?
We really rely on the local venues and facilities that we use to run our classes, whether that be Churches, Village Halls, Sports Centre, Schools, etc., and we couldn’t provide the lessons we do and expand in the way we have, without their continued support. And we are really privileged to have a loyal customer base of adults and children.
What do you enjoy most about inspiring young people through dance?
We really enjoy seeing dancers, of all ages, achieve goals and see the joy that brings them. Whether small or large, ballet has so many benefits to offer. And we love helping each dancer to find their own potential and fulfil it, building confidence, no matter which path in life they go on to take.
In what ways do you see dance bringing people together and creating a sense of community?
We really see and feel every day how dance brings us together, having students from all different locations and academic schools, as well as many different countries around the world. But we all come together for our ballet class and are united in focus, which really quickly builds a welcoming community.
What are some of the proudest moments or achievements in the school's history?
We regularly undertake examinations and class awards with the Royal Academy of Dance, and this makes us very proud. However, our Christmas Recital in 2024 was a real high point for all the dancers and families that came to watch, and made special memories.
How proud have you been to see one of your dancers, Heather, feature within the Club's Away Kit campaign?
We are extremely proud of Heather for the role she has played in the Club’s Away Kit campaign. To be able to support another Oxford institution is a huge privilege, and we knew Heather would do such a beautiful job on account of her kindness, dedication and talent.
You can learn more about Oxford School of Ballet by clicking below.
Oxford United's 2026/27 Away Kit is now on sale and can be purchased online and in-store.
