A Dancer’s Fall and the Legal Battle That Changed Her Life
Kylie Hayes, a 41-year-old choreographer known for her work on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, is currently involved in a legal dispute with a West End theatre company after sustaining a severe injury that ended her career as a professional dancer. Her story highlights the risks faced by those in the performing arts and the long-term consequences of a single tragic accident.
Hayes has spent over a decade working as an assistant choreographer on Strictly Come Dancing, helping train celebrities such as Alan Titchmarsh, Jeremy Vine, Kimberley Walsh, Stacey Dooley, Pixie Lott, Emma Barton, and the late Caroline Flack. She was responsible for teaching contestants how to perform iconic routines like the Charleston. However, her career took a dramatic turn during rehearsals for a UK production of 42nd Street.
During a rehearsal at the Curve Theatre in Leicester, Hayes fell off the stage while leaving in what she described as “pitch black” conditions. The temporary steps that were used for exiting the stage had been moved, leaving no lighting or markings. As a result, she suffered a severe tear in the musculotendinous junction of her left leg—the joint between her Achilles tendon and calf muscle. This injury not only forced her to take a year off work but also marked the end of her competitive dancing career.
The Devastation of a Career Lost
For Hayes, dance was more than just a profession; it was her identity. She began dancing at the age of two and had built a 20-year career in the West End, working on shows such as Evita, Follies, Cats, Oklahoma, Saturday Night Fever, Sound of Music, and Top Hat. She also trained Strictly judge Anton Du Beke in tap dancing and collaborated with choreographer Bill Deamer for 12 seasons on the show’s musicals week.
The fall changed everything. After landing awkwardly on the stage, she felt a numbness in her leg that made it feel like “jelly” or a “heavy bag of marbles.” Despite trying to walk it off, her leg collapsed under her, and she soon realized the severity of her injury. A private physio diagnosed her with a torn Achilles, and she was placed in a boot for three months, wearing it 24/7.
A New Chapter
The recovery process was grueling. Hayes had to inject herself daily with anti-DVT medication and struggled with basic tasks such as walking, shopping, and driving. She moved to Devon from London with her husband, Simon, and relied on his emotional and financial support during this difficult time.
She eventually returned to work, but not as a dancer. Instead, she found a new role as a receptionist and massage therapist at the Mole spa resort near her home. While she misses the excitement of the stage, she has come to terms with her new life. She finds joy in the simplicity of her current job, enjoying walks with her dog Nellie and time with her husband.
Legal Action and Reflection
Despite her new path, Hayes has not forgotten the impact of the accident. She recently filed a lawsuit against the theatre company producing 42nd Street—42nd Street 2023 Ltd. Although the company has admitted liability, no damages have been determined yet.
Emma Mazurkiewicz, a specialist lawyer handling the case, emphasized the importance of safety in theatres. “Kylie was one of the fittest dancers in the West End,” she said. “Her whole career came crashing down when she fell off stage. Theatres need to ensure everyone on their premises is kept safe.”
Moving Forward
Hayes still watches Strictly Come Dancing and can identify routines she once helped create. While she has made peace with her past, she now embraces a calmer, more relaxed lifestyle. She acknowledges that her journey has been difficult, but she feels grateful for the new opportunities that have emerged.
A Story of Resilience
Though her career as a dancer has ended, Hayes continues to inspire others with her resilience. She has learned to find joy in the small things and has accepted that “the show must go on,” even if it’s not the same one she once performed on.
