Leeds West Indian Carnival 2018: How RJC Dance troupe will celebrate 25th anniversary

Leeds West Indian Carnival would be nothing without the performers who give their all as they dance for hours along the parade route, lifting the spirits of the crowd with their infectious energy and incredible costumes.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Aug 2018, 13:19 BST
Updated 21st Aug 2018, 18:00 BST
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It is a celebration that RJC Dance is proud to have been part of for the past 17 years, but this year will be particularly special as its 50-strong troupe is led by a carnival king for the first time in honour of its own 25th anniversary.

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Founded in 1993 as a professional dance company, Chapeltown-based RJC has grown into an award-winning black dance organisation with an ever-expanding youth programme.

Students at RJC Dance based in Chapeltown where preparations are well underway for Leeds Carnival at the end of the month. Picture Tony Johnson.Students at RJC Dance based in Chapeltown where preparations are well underway for Leeds Carnival at the end of the month. Picture Tony Johnson.
Students at RJC Dance based in Chapeltown where preparations are well underway for Leeds Carnival at the end of the month. Picture Tony Johnson.
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Dance director and co-founder Kathy Williams said: “It’s amazing how time has just flown by and what’s more amazing is we’ve got generations of families coming through the youth development programme. We began it with about 25 young people and today we have over 200 young people who come through our doors here at the Mandela Centre every week.”

A former Olympic gymnast, Kathy recognises the impact that a passionate teacher or coach can have on helping young people to flourish.

She said: “It’s always about those who really invest in young people and giving them opportunities that they wouldn’t necessarily choose for themselves, opening doors and opening their minds. That’s what I had in primary school.

“It’s also about talent spotting. Most young people are gifted in some area. Sometimes it’s just about somebody spotting that potential and really nurturing it. That’s what I believe we do here.”