Our dance family at 30: Cee'on and Alicia's Story

As RJC Dance celebrates its 30th anniversary, we want to share some beautiful intergenerational stories of the families who dance with us. The first of these is Alicia and Cee'on, who answered our questions about their experience with RJC Dance. Alumna Alicia Wilkinson was one of the very first Shahck Out Youth Dance members who joined, in 2000. Now, daughter Cee’on Wilkinson Clark dances with Shahck Out Juniors Tuesday in RJC Dance Youth Provision.

How does it feel to see your daughter Cee’on dancing with RJC Dance Youth Provision?

It’s like deja vu! Watching my mini me rehearse and perform with some familiar faces from way back, when I used to dance. I’m so honoured that we have a common thread in the sense of, I get to share some of my dancing experiences from dancing with RJC Dance Youth Dance Provision 23 years ago with her. Inspiring! Knowing that the organisation I started out dancing with, at the age of 14 is still thriving and my daughter gets to have that same experience too.

What memories does it bring back from your own experience?

Watching Cee'on performing in the RJC Dance Youth Provision Christmas Showcase was very nostalgic for me! It brought back so many years of memories of being on that exact stage at the Riley Theatre, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, performing whilst my mum was sat in the audience. Although I don't think my mum was quite as loud cheering me on, as I was for Cee'on! The energy and the atmosphere was still amazing and I was beaming with so much pride and joy watching my daughter be amazing at something that I once did too.

How important do you think dance and exercise is in your life?

Exercise is very important in life. Not just for my physical being but my mental wellbeing too. I also feel like exercise and dance are entwined in achieving this. Movement is good for my soul - always has been and always will be. It uplifts me and makes me feel good. I can feel down or low or in a bit of a funk, but if I turn my music up and get moving, before I know it, I'm smiling and loving life.

When were you a member of RJC Dance Youth Provision? Tell us about your experience.

I was one of the first original Shack Out members that joined in 2000, alongside three of my girlfriends at the time. Edward Lynch (founder and Artistic Director at the time) was one of my very first dance teachers. He was very talented, welcoming and caring. It was clear that he loved teaching and he inspired us. I remember he ALWAYS used to smile! Napps (De-Napoli Clarke) became one of our teachers not long after, along with Stacey Wraith and Naomi Czuba. There are more faces I can picture but not the names. Kathy Williams, (current Director) always kept everything in check! Me included at times I'm sure, but again she was always caring, welcoming and had our best interests at heart. Shaun Gittens was responsible for the academics which as a result provided a dynamic Provision.

I still remember so much about dancing with RJC Dance Youth Provision, but the experiences and memories that stick out the most for me are the opening of the Commonwealth Games, week-long residentials in Devon, the Christmas Showcases and winning Leeds West Indian Carnival two years in a row. The yellow and orange ninja costumes and the green rainforest ones (designed and created by Rhian Kempadoo Millar & team Mango Arts) were amazing, we looked fantastic.

What made you decide to join RJC Dance?

I loved dancing. My best friends in high school and I used to put together routines and perform on stage in assembly more or less every week. My head of year approached me and said there was a dance provision in the local community that had been set up. It was free to attend, and asked me if I wanted to join because of my passion for dance. Of course I jumped at the opportunity to be able to learn and experience something new and different.

How does your shared experience of RJC Dance Youth Provision impact your relationship with your daughter?

I love that my daughter and I have a mutual passion for dancing and that she has led me back to a place where I have so many fond memories! I'm happy that my daughter gets to have some of the same experiences that I did, and better. I think beyond anything else, I feel proud that my passion and my contribution to dancing helped shape the provision that enables my daughter to dance and express herself still to this day - isn’t that fabulous!

How would you describe RJC Dance in 3 words?

This is a hard one, but I think I would have to say, community, fun and rewarding.