Leeds dance company reaching thousands around the world with free Facebook lockdown fitness sessions

A Leeds dance company is proving a global hit with its online carnival and reggae style fitness classes.
By Tony Gardner
Published 9th May 2020, 11:45 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

RJC Dance, the award-winning inclusive Black British dance company based in Chapeltown, launched RJC Dance Where U R at the very start of lockdown.

Since then have been reaching thousands of people around the world with their online dance and fitness sessions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

People from as far afield as Canada and the Netherlands have joined the RJC Dance’s loyal community in Leeds for the classes, which are all free and accessed via Facebook Live.

Nillanthie Morton, a choreographer with RJC Dance, has been hugely popular with his inimitable energy,Nillanthie Morton, a choreographer with RJC Dance, has been hugely popular with his inimitable energy,
Nillanthie Morton, a choreographer with RJC Dance, has been hugely popular with his inimitable energy,

Local nurseries have got together virtually to enjoy the sessions designed for younger children, and RJC Dance’s Youth Provision have been able to keep up rehearsals for future shows with private sessions.

The organisation’s following on social media has more than trebled in size since the start of this new offering.

Nillanthie Morton, a choreographer with RJC Dance has been hugely popular with his inimitable energy, smile and the occasional guest appearance from his children for his sessions, which include a ’Socacise’ class that blends Caribbean Soca, carnival and reggae styles.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tricia Arthur-Stubbs teaches younger ones twice a week in ‘RJC Dance Kidz Zone’.

Tricia Arthur-Stubbs teaches youngerters twice a week in RJC Dance Kidz Zone.Tricia Arthur-Stubbs teaches youngerters twice a week in RJC Dance Kidz Zone.
Tricia Arthur-Stubbs teaches youngerters twice a week in RJC Dance Kidz Zone.

Kathy Williams, Director of RJC Dance and ex British Olympic gymnast said: "We have a reputation as an inclusive dance organisation and we’re committed to vitality, active participation and creativity.

"Never before have we needed to fulfil that commitment more than now, to inspire and support our community through these difficult times."

A testimonial from one participant explains: "We have been doing the RJC Dance sessions four times a week which has kept our mental health and well-being as a family going, at times when we really did struggle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Mum has lost 7lbs! As well as increasing our physical cardio it has created a place of community and connection to know we have such a wonderful RJC Dance family to guide us through this time.”

For more information visit the RJC Dance Facebook page.Videos of previous sessions can be found on YouTube.

Related topics:LeedsFacebookPeople