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History

Founded in 1993 by Edward Lynch MBE, RJC Dance is a popular and successful Black British led contemporary dance organisation based in Leeds. Original members Donald Edwards and David (Leo) Hamilton MBE were also founders of Phoenix Dance Company. They were joined by De-Napoli Clarke, Martin Robinson, Joe Williams and Kathy Williams MBE, OLY.

Phoenix was unique for several reasons.

'Firstly the company was all male; secondly, it was a Black company; thirdly, it emerged from dance in education rather than by the traditional route of dance schools in higher education and finally the choreography was influenced by the music and social dance styles of the time. The movement which set Phoenix apart and inspired so many audiences came from these five individuals who were encouraged to develop their own distinctive styles. This unique combination emerged again as RJC continued to experiment with the fusion of social dance styles and contemporary techniques. RJC's commitment to developing and promoting a Black British choreographic language can be seen in its title: R which stands for Reggae, J for Jazz and C for the Contemporary dance influence'. (from 'Still Blazin' Phoenix to RJC 2001).

Below: Donald Edwards & Kathy Williams
Photo by: Linda Molyneux

History

These three dance styles formed the backbone of the organisation's innovative performance work. RJC Dance were based at Northern School of Contemporary Dance and toured nationally during the 1990's.

By 2003/4 RJC Dance began to focus the work towards young people and moved into the Mandela Centre, Leeds offering dance sessions to Leeds City Council Youth Service and began to develop RJC Dance Youth Provision.

Today RJC Dance has a special quality reputation of engaging with and progressing young people 4-19 years from all backgrounds and circumstances.

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Learn about the opportunities we can offer your children
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See where RJC Dance are performing and the workshops we have lined up.

Follow our journey through dance, movement and exercise

Keep up to date with RJC Dance's latest events, news and exclusive content

Follow our journey through dance, movement and exercise

Keep up to date with RJC Dance's latest events, news and exclusive content
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