Where movement empowers, inspires and unites
RJC Dance Youth Provision is a critically acclaimed, award winning community dance provision based at the Mandela Centre, Chapeltown Road, Leeds. It is a thriving and dynamic youth dance provision for young people 4-19yrs. The provision is rooted in equality and cultural diversity and engages young people from all backgrounds and provides new, different and life-changing experiences.
A fun, high-energy introduction to our unique dance styles. Get moving, make new friends and experience the rhythm and creativity of RJC Dance.
We support thousands of young people in developing their dance skills, achieving success, and building lifelong friendships. For many, our programmes provide opportunities to unlock their potential, and we are proud to nurture their talent every step of the way.
Members of RJC Dance Youth Provision are regularly invited to perform at festivals and events locally, regionally and nationally. They have performed include Carnivals, national conferences, youth platforms, and summer schools.
We’re committed to supporting personal development through a range of projects and extra-curricular activities. These include Arts Awards, international exchanges and collaborations with both local and global organisations, all designed to broaden horizons and help young people realise their aspirations
Our Youth Provision Showcases are vibrant annual performances that celebrate the incredible growth, confidence and artistry of our young members. Buzzing with energy and creative talent, they stand as a powerful testament to the dedication and hard work of both our young people and those who support them throughout the year
Generations of alumni from RJC Dance Youth Provision have gone on to build successful careers in education, the arts and culture sector, community engagement, the legal sector and the wider creative industries.
Tre’von has been a part of the RJC Dance family for over 12 years, first joining us for a half term dance camp. His dedication and commitment to his craft were evident from the start, and he quickly became a role model for other students.
Tre’von was accepted onto the Centre of Advanced training scheme and went on to complete his Certificate of Higher Education at Northern Schoool of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), graduating in July 2023.
He is now in his third and final year of vocational training at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
Tre’von’s passion for dance has not only driven him to succeed but has also inspired others around him. Tre’von is a natural leader and mentor to younger dancers, always willing to lend a helping hand or provide guidance and support. His positive attitude and infectious energy paves the way for members of the RJC Dance Youth Provision community.
Before attending RJC Dance Youth Provision, Dominique was taking part in performing arts at her high school, Carr Manor. She was dancing and performing at events in school, at talent shows and competitions. She was also training as an athlete at Carnegie for Sky Rack running club (100m). Dominique joined RJC Dance Youth Provision in 2010 aged 15 years old.
Dominique travelled to Denmark with RJC Dance Youth Provision, and other memorable activities include going to Herd Farm, travelling to London and performing on the big stage every December in the Christmas showcase. After RJC DANCE Youth Provision, Dominique completed her undergraduate degree in Business Management/Dance and a Masters in Arts Management Policy and Practice in December 2017 at Manchester University.
Currently Dominique is modelling for JD Sports – you can learn more about her journey here.
Oliver joined RJC Dance Youth Provision in 2007 when he was just 15 years old. His time with us gave him the opportunity to take part in Leeds West Indian Carnival, and even an audition for Britain’s Got Talent. Since leaving RJC Dance, Oliver went on to study at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. At the same time, he developed an interest in photography, which he now uses in his day-to-day role as a professional photographer. RJC Dance continues to work with Oliver, inviting him to come and shoot various events and dance camps.
When Chanté joined RJC Dance Youth Provision in 2009, she was just 9 years old. For over 10 years, RJC Dance was like a second home to Chanté, and she had the opportunity to take part in some amazing activities, such as the Youth Exchange in Sweden. Since then, Chanté has carved a professional career as a Project Manager for business relocation firm.
Holly joined RJC Dance Youth Provision in 1999 at the age of 12, when RJC Dance were the guest resident dance company based at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance under the church. Taught by Villmore James, Holly found RJC Dance Youth Provision helped her to overcome her shyness and develop her confidence. Since then, Holly has been working for Barnado’s, supporting children who have been exploited through sex trafficking. She is also currently studying Existential Psychotherapy and hopes to qualify as a psychotherapist so she can further support the refugee children around the world.
Melli Matthews was with RJC Dance Youth Provision from 2003 – 2013, and experience which gave him a taste for musical theatre and jazz. During his time with us he went on two Youth Exchanges, to Sweden and France, and performed with the group at Harewood House. These days, Melli auditions in Jazz and musical theatre but also acts in TV commercials, music videos and does some modelling on the side.
Anthony James Bartlett (AJ) is a dynamic and versatile dancer with a strong foundation in six dance styles, having trained at Shockout Arts in Manchester.
With a passion for movement and storytelling, AJ further honed their skills in Los Angeles and New York, gaining international experience and exposure to diverse techniques. Their professional career spans across film, television, and theatre, with performances in major films, high-profile commercials and acclaimed musicals.
In addition to an extensive dance portfolio, AJ has also made an impact as a choreographer and Movement Director creating compelling work for television productions
Nicola Francis was with RJC Dance Youth Provision from 1995, which inspired her to fall in love with dance. During her time with us, she was able to perform at huge venues like Her Majesty’s theatre, The Albany theatre, The 02, The Peacock Theatre and the Royal Festival Hall. These days, Nicola no longer dances in a professional capacity but her enthusiasm for joy and self-expression helps her in her current role as a Wellbeing Advisor at a London University.
Nillanthie started at RJC Dance Youth Provision in 2002 at the age of 13. Before attending RJC Dance Youth Provision Nillanthie’s passions were basketball and football. However, his sister and cousins were members of the RJC Dance Youth Provision, and having attended a few other school clubs, he decided to give the Youth Provision a go.
After attending RJC Dance Youth Provision, Nillanthie went on to study at Northern school of Contemporary Dance, where he initially completed a one year Foundation course before going on to do a 3 year BPA Honours degree course, graduating with a smile and a pirouette in summer 2011. Nillanthie returned to his old stomping ground at RJC Dance, this time as a dance tutor. His job involves teaching the RJC Dance Youth Provision various dance styles which are showcased at numerous events throughout the year including the Yorkshire Youth Dance and the NSCD Community Dance Platforms in Spring and the very popular annual RJC Dance Youth Provision Christmas Show in December.
Omari joined RJC Dance Youth Provision at the age of 13 and was with us for five years. During that time he took part in the International Youth Exchange in Sweden, and performed his first ever poem “The Question” at the RJC Dance Youth Provision Christmas Show. This poem went on and became the start of “Northern Noir”, his first theatre production, premiered to sold-out audiences in January 2019.
After taking part in an RJC Dance Youth Provision project with the writing groups Dance Met Verse, there was an opportunity for Omari to attend a creative writing camp with the poet, playwright and novelist Simon Armitage.
Omari now works as an artist, educator and director of arts production company Ol’ Man Swanny. Specialising in dance, directing and literature, dance is his first art form. His directing career began with the Leeds Playhouse in 2015. Omari holds a First Class BA in Creative Writing and a Master’s in Education. As an educator, he’s served as a high school English teacher for 5 years. Omari’s practice spans from screen to stage, from dance to song. Nevertheless, as a published poet, the poetic form shapes everything.
Read about RJC Dance Youth Provision members – updates, stories and highlights.
Find what you need to know about RJC Dance Youth Provision – from how to sign up, what to expect and more.
