From Moss Side to Manhattan: The Journey of Nahum McLean

A Journey Embodied

Nahum McLean is more than just a ballet dancer; he is a symbol of resilience and transformation. Born and raised in Moss Side, Manchester, McLean has navigated the treacherous waters of an often elitist ballet world while grappling with societal prejudices against male dancers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Growing Up in Moss Side

From a young age, McLean was drawn to movement. Before ballet, he was immersed in hip-hop, dancing alongside his sisters in the comfort of their home. But as he discovered ballet at The Zion Arts Centre, a risk crept in: the fear of what it would mean to be a black male dancer in a world that often marginalizes those who don't fit the conventional mold.

“Ballet is not really something people do in Moss Side,” McLean admitted. “It felt like I had to keep it a secret.”

Confronting the Stigma

Keeping his passion hidden for years, McLean only briefly managed to avoid exposure until a feature on local television accidentally revealed his secret. The fallout was immediate and painful.

“When a teacher announced I was on the news, the laughter erupted in the classroom. I remember sinking to the floor, wishing for the ground to swallow me up.

Despite the initial ridicule, his journey did not stop there. Resilience became McLean's greatest strength as he moved to a vocational ballet school where he encountered a vastly different environment—one filled with both opportunity and new challenges.

A New Chapter at Boarding School

At 11 years old, McLean took a leap of faith and transitioned to a boarding school in Chester—a place known for shaping elite dancers. Yet, even among peers sharing a similar passion, he felt like an outlier.

“I was often the only black kid in the room. I felt like I was on the 'ghetto scholarship,' a phrase hurled at me by other students.”

Even so, he embraced this label with a mix of determination and pride, recognizing the need to make ballet accessible to those without means. He thrives on the understanding that art should never be solely for the privileged.

Challenging Elitism in Dance

Today, McLean stands on the bridge between two worlds: the one he came from and the one he now navigates as an honored performer. Supported by a growing recognition of diversity, he champions the importance of initiatives designed to bring ballet into the lives of those who might not otherwise encounter it.

“There are always conversations about representation and accessibility. But we need actionable change—more funding and opportunities in state schools to ensure ballet is for everyone,”

The Homecoming Performance

As he prepares for his homecoming show at the Manchester Opera House, McLean is both excited and nervous. “It's my debut at home,” he smiles, “And it's thrilling—yet terrifying.” His aim is clear: to make the art of ballet feel inclusive, breaking the barriers that once held him back.

Advice for Aspiring Dancers

For young boys who might feel out of place in the ballet scene, McLean offers an empathetic call to action: stick with it. “It's not for the weak, but you're not weak for starting. If you love it, pursue it; silence the noise.”

Looking Ahead

With growing initiatives aimed at increasing participation among people of color in ballet, McLean sees a brighter future. As he puts it, “Ballet Nights should speak to those outside typical ballet audiences, emphasizing that everyone is welcome.”