Stacey Green

Stacey Green is Co-Founder of Shades Dancewear, combining nearly 30 years of dance education experience with innovative technology to transform inclusivity in dance. As a dance school principal and advocate for racial representation, her journey from teaching to tech innovation began with addressing the fundamental need for inclusive dancewear and support for global majority dancers.

The dance industry faces significant inclusivity challenges, with traditional “pink” dancewear excluding many performers. Through ShadesFY, a mobile app utilising 3D AR technology, dancers can colour-match products to their skin tone, access mental wellness support, and enhance their dance experience through personalised instruction. The platform creates a safe space where body image, ethnicity, and positive well-being are celebrated.

“Our mission is to enable all dancers to embrace their ethnicity from the minute they step into their first dance class, and retain their identity throughout their career,” says Stacey.

Her achievements include developing the RED (Representation and Equity in Dance) framework for educational institutions and launching Shades Dancewear with inclusive products across all sizes and skin tones. The company received an Innovate UK Create Growth grant for its AR and AI technology development.

“I am over the moon to have won this award,” says Stacey. “Being a woman of colour and a female business leader who has been successful with this award means so much to me. I hope I can inspire others to apply.”

“The biggest barrier I have had to overcome is changing people’s mindsets about traditions held in dance,” Stacey reflects. “Being taken seriously in a male-dominated sector has been challenging when trying to find innovative ways to become more inclusive.”

Her advice to aspiring innovators? “Never give up. If you’re passionate about your cause, idea and invention, keep banging on those doors until people listen. Face the fear and do it anyway!”

For more information on Women in Innovation

Find out more about the Women in Innovation Award and other support available across the Innovate UK ecosystem on the Women in Innovation programme page.