RJC Dance Annual Youth Provision and Adult Community Class Showcase 2024: A Celebration of Dance

There is no better way to wrap up another incredible year with RJC Dance than with our spectacular Annual Showcase. Over four incredible performances in December, the Mandela Centre was absolutely buzzing with the energy and talent of 124 of our amazing dancers, from our Youth Provision to our Adult Community Class. Each performance was a real testament to the dedication and hard work demonstrated by every one of our young members and adults throughout the year. The performances showcased and presented immense growth, confidence and artistry.

It was also an incredible honour to welcome so many special guests to our showcase this year. We were joined by the Lord Mayor Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung, who helped us celebrate the achievements of our dancers. Representatives from Arts Council England, Pete Massey Director, Northern Economy & Partnerships/Leeds and Desi Cherrington Relationship Manager Dance - North, were also in attendance, we're incredibly grateful for their ongoing support. We were delighted to welcome Hannah Robertshaw, CEO, Yorkshire Dance, who shares our passion for bringing dance to the community.

It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces in the audience too! We loved having Mo Hussain, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Ellie Manners, Youth Theatre Director, Leeds Playhouse, and local Councillor Sharon Hamilton join us. Their presence means so much to us and the wider RJC Dance family.

And of course, we can't forget RJC Dance original members Donald Edwards BA Hons and De-Napoli Clarke – it was brilliant to reflect to see how far we've travelled!

Finally, a massive thank you to our dedicated Board of Trustees: Chair Amanda Huxtable, Bev Brown, Sue Morgan MBE, Junier Browne MBE, and Ruth Bundey, for their invaluable guidance and support.

This showcase truly embodied everything RJC Dance stands for: access, passion & dedication through the power of dance.

Here's to another fantastic year of dance, movement and exercise in 2025!

Enjoy the wonderful images, all captured by Oliver Dixon Photography.