Dance, Diversity, and Triumph with RJC dance
Art can be expressed in so many ways, often acting as an extension of the self in reflecting both our mind and body. This idea is found at the core of Leeds’s leading Black dance organisation; RJC Dance aim to empower their members through inclusivity and creativity. And empower they have, as we look back on an extremely successful year that encompasses their values and hard work!
You’re doing yourself an injustice by not seeing RJC Dance spectacles in person, with their vivid colours, flowing costumes, and flamboyant headdresses brought to life by Rhian Kempadoo-Millar of Burokeet Art Studio and team, creating mesmerising waves. The passion that their dancers pour into these routines was duly rewarded in this year’s Leeds West Indian Carnival, where they won Best on Stage and Best Overall Troupe – the latter being the second year in a row! A collaboration between RJC Dance and Mango Arts ‘AZUL’, they brought awareness to ‘the beauty of the oceans and the importance of preserving the planet’, highlighting how in tune the organisation is with the world around them.
THAT LEEDS MAG was fortunate enough to be able to talk with RJC Dance Director, Kathy Williams MBE, OLY, who has been with the organisation since it was founded in 1993 by Edward Lynch MBE. After celebrating their anniversary in 2023, we asked her what these years have meant to her and RJC Dance.
“It’s a testament to all the hard work every Staff & Youth Provision member, Board of Trustees, Adults, Elders, Volunteers, Founder & Original members have put into RJC Dance, supported by Arts Council England and Leeds City Council, and how these accolades and recognition are being celebrated 31 years after its creation.”
Kathy Williams MBE, OLY Director
Kathy prides herself in the accessibility and affordability RJC Dance brings to all age groups, encouraging all young people, from the ages of 4, to engage with rich histories and cultural diversity.
In this impact on the community around her, Kathy is currently being featured in ‘100 Black Women Who Have Made a Mark’, curated by Pawlet Brookes MBE, Serendipity Institute For Black Arts & Heritage. A beautiful exhibit featuring Black women who have created ‘a lasting impact in their respective fields’. Open to the public, you can see these portraits at the Leicester Gallery – De Montfort University.
After all this talk of their rich history and fruitful events, let’s turn focus on the people who bring RJC Dance to life, its members. As mentioned before, the organisation hosts workshops for young people, from the ages 4-19, providing them with opportunities for personal development and regular performances to get involved in. This spans across the year, with more opportunities found in free school holiday activity Dance Camps, where its members combine contemporary urban dance styles with daily warm-ups and fitness sessions, with a presentation of what they’ve learnt to be held for their families at the end of the camp.
Budding member Oliver highlights how RJC Dance has been ‘inspiring’ for him, a transformative journey that has seen him get involved in the 30th Anniversary performance and open doors for him ‘inside and outside of school’ to progress his passion for Contemporary dance. Check out member accounts on RJC Dance website to get a feel of what they can instil in children!
However, it’s not just young people that get involved, as they also hold Adult Dance Classes too, where they see participants of 60+ years of age in attendance. Kathy highlighted how RJC Dance promotes that a ‘healthy mind and a healthy body create a synergy for members to feel good when attending classes’. This is paired with the social aspect found in getting to know new people from completely different backgrounds, resulting in a friendly and welcoming community to get stuck into. You can catch these classes every Thursday from 7pm to 8pm at the Mandela Centre, LS7 3HY.
Another noteworthy event was their recent collaboration with Dr Briony Thomas & the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds at Leeds Light Night 2024, which saw 6,000 people in attendance! Choreographed by Alumni and Tutor, Nillanthie Morton. It has created a unification between RJC Dance and the University. This relationship continues to strengthen as currently they’re being showcased in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery Special Collections exhibition. Located in the Parkinson building, you can find original material and rare artefacts from the organisation.
After such an explosive year of success, what’s next for RJC Dance? They keep their message simple by saying that their doors are always open to anyone and everyone. With a hope for funding to continue so they can keep doing what they love, and a home at the Mandela centre, we are excited to see what’s in store for the many years they’ll continue to flourish!
Find out how you can get involved or support: www.rjcdance.org.uk
