One Dance UK Award Winner Profile

Recognition and Gratitude

Tamar Dixon talks to Kathy Williams OLY, Director of RJC Dance and Dance of the African Diaspora Lifetime Achievement Award 2020 awardee.

Kathy Williams. Photo courtesy RJC Dance

How has the Lifetime Achievement Award made an impact on your career?

I was honoured and thrilled to receive the award, accepting on behalf of the cofounders of RJC Dance; Edward Lynch, David Hamilton MBE, Donald Edwards, Martin Robinson, Joe Williams, the late Linda Molyneux, technicians, my staff team and of course the thousands of children, young people and families we have worked with, nurtured, developed and inspired since 1993.

It has been overwhelming being acknowledged by the sector and has recognised the work and achievements over 27 years, creating access to the arts and creative industries, reaching those who otherwise have little access to the rich and transformative benefits of arts and culture.

What has the award meant for your local community in Leeds?

The responses have been heart-warming. It meant pride, a salute and appreciation of 27 years of RJC Dance magic.

What type of activity has RJC Dance engaged with recently?

RJC Dance endeavoured to respond and adapt to all the sudden disruption by developing free creative digital engagement programmes to continue communication with users, whilst reaching new online participants. We aim to provide positive participatory experiences in the context of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter which give a voice to the community, build cohesion and ensure continuity of contact.

Our diverse beneficiaries have been disproportionately affected during this time and required opportunities to connect and re-group. The pandemic has had a severe impact on the mental health of young people (especially those within the Black, minority, ethnic community).

Tell us more about some of the plans you have for RJC Dance in 2021 and beyond.

A Covid-19 testing centre has prohibited access to our base at the Mandela Centre, Leeds. Our service was taken online, however digital poverty amongst young people and their families has impacted engagement.

2021-22 will see a development and diversification of RJC Dance Digital Programme, including 46 weekly term time dance sessions for children and young people and half term Dance Camps. 2022-23 will see a blended digital and face-to-face offer, and in 2023-24 we celebrate RJC Dance’s 30th anniversary!

The time is here for you to nominate your dance heroes in 2021.

The One Dance UK Awards are a chance for you to highlight the work of a person or company who deserves recognition for their tenacity, creativity and dedication.

Nominations now open!

www.onedanceuk.org/one-dance-uk-awards