11 young people across our Youth Provision groups took a cultural education trip to University of Leeds, led by the wonderful Dr Rebecca Wade, Associate Curator: Cultural Collections & Galleries.

They visited the treasures of the Brotherton Gallery, saw the RJC Dance archive on display and got a special treat to see and touch other RJC Dance materials not on display that are housed in the University archive.

They also visited the special archives department and learnt about the UOL online database and some of the oldest artefacts that they have.

They then took a trip to the Faculty of Engineering and visited Professor Briony Thomas, Professor of Applied Creativity, to view see 3D printers, Carnival creations and their work on new materials. A highlight was watching how they print 3D model bones to be used in hospitals for research.

They were also able to see the laser cutting machines that helped create some of the RJC Dance and Mango Arts Carnival Troupe ‘BANYAN’ 2025 costumes, which were designed with sustainability in mind. ‘BANYAN’ is our award-winning 2025 intergenerational, sustainable Carnival troupe.

We believe that movement goes beyond the studio. It’s about connection, exploration and growing together.

We were thrilled to take 12 incredible members of our Youth Provision on a hike at the stunning Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales, thanks to our wonderful partnership with the National Parks Community Champions project.

Guided by the fantastic Lorraine and Jamila, our young people were immersed in the great outdoors, learning how to read maps, navigate unfamiliar terrain and experience nature in its purest form. The sun was shining, the views were breathtaking and spirits were high as we explored the landscape and, quite literally, conquered new heights.

This trip was a meaningful experience that tied directly into the heart of our work. Our 2025 Leeds West Indian Carnival troupe, BANYAN, was all about protecting our natural world, from wildlife to sustainability and conservation.

11 young people from Youth Provision group Shahck Out Saturday successfully completed their Bronze Arts Award at RJC Dance, a recognised national accreditation awarded by Trinity College.

Over eight weeks in the summer term, these dedicated young dancers immersed themselves in the world of dance, creativity and leadership, alongside and during their regular sessions.

The Bronze Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification that celebrates young people’s creative development. It gives participants the opportunity to explore an art form, develop their skills, and share their creativity with others through weekly sessions, artist research, performance insight and teaching and leadership.

Trinity College London manages Arts Award in association with Arts Council England.

We teamed up with Leeds Mind to create Shahck Out Speak Out, a Youth Provision project funded by Leeds Community Foundation, that focussed on developing confidence, skills, wellbeing and promoting the importance of looking after our mental health.

48 members of Shahck Out Youth Dance and Shahck Out Thursday took part in 10 weeks of Shahck Out Speak Out workshops alongside their dance sessions, gaining creative tools to enhance their lives, develop their careers and influence the world around them in a positive manner. A healthy body and a healthy mind go hand in hand.

Youth Provision members Shahck Out Boyz visited the Knife Angel at the Royal Armouries Museum as part of its National Youth Anti-Violence Tour, as part of our ongoing work to raise awareness and tackle Knife crime.

The sculpture, made from over 100,000 seized blades, was specifically created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour whilst solidifying our critical need for social change. Not only does the Angel act as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent and aggressive behaviour, but it is also acts as a beautiful memorial designed to celebrate those lives who have been lost through these violent and thoughtless actions.

RJC Dance Tutor and Choreographer Nillanthie Morton led the boys in developing choreography inspired by the Knife Angel, which they then rehearsed and filmed around the monument itself. They gained valuable experience in site specific dance, working with a camera and choreographing dance for film.

Shahck Out Get Out, funded by Leeds Girls Can in partnership with Sweaty Betty, enabled 27 of our female youth provision members to get involved in various indoor and outdoor physical activities throughout the summer holidays in 2023, including:

• Roller Skating at LS-Ten Skate Park
• Escape Room at The Escapologist
• Team Building at Herd Farm Activity Centre
• Alhambra Theatre Bradford trip to see Ailey 2 show
• Bowling at Hollywood Bowl
• Rounders in the park
• Waterslide at West Leeds Activity Centre
• Go Ape at Temple Newsam

The project wrapped up an motivational seminar from inspirational, therapeutic mindset coach Molly Scarlett Therapy and a final celebration event with food and cake.

RJC Dance has partnered with Herd Farm Activity Centre, a residential and activity centre near Leeds, to provide opportunities for young people in their Youth Provision. Over the past 14+ years, RJC Dance has taken members of their Youth Provision to Herd Farm for day trips and residential visits to enhance their personal and social development in an outdoor setting. These trips offer activities like high ropes, bushcraft and team building, fostering confidence and well-being in a rural environment