Taking its name from the ancient and majestic Banyan tree, the RJC Dance and Mango Arts 2025 Carnival troupe was a celebration of deep roots, strong communities and collective growth, addressing rainforest conservation.

RJC Dance and Mango Arts BANYAN troupe is the first recipient of the Arthur France Legacy Trophy Band of the Year, as well as receiving awards for Best Troupe on Stage and Best Troupe on the Road. 

Inspired by the way Banyan trees grow, sending down aerial roots that connect, support and strengthen, BANYAN is a metaphor for resilience, unity and the intergenerational bonds that hold communities together. Just as the Banyan tree expands and shelters all in its path, our troupe reflects how culture, creativity and collaboration feed the roots of RJC Dance all year round.

Four bespoke costume designs represented a different facet of connection and regeneration, created by Mango Arts and based on original ink and watercolour sketches by artist Rhian Kempadoo-Millar, drawing on powerful natural and spiritual symbols from around the world.

RJC Dance and Mango Arts came together again to create the electrifying and vibrant AZUL theme, celebrating the beauty and power of the ocean. RJC Dance wanted 2024 to be the “climate conscious” carnival, showcasing stunning, sustainable costumes crafted from recycled materials and highlighting the importance of environmental protection. The display of movement and colour embodied the spirit of the carnival while promoting eco-friendly practices, demonstrating the connection between culture and sustainability.

NATRO-BEAT was created by RJC Dance and Mango Arts in 2023, marking 30 years of RJC Dance. A talented team of artists created 4 sections of costumes using natural materials & techniques such as macrame, silk painting, paper mache, collage & wire bending. The 100+ strong troupe included Youth Provision members, adults, alumni, volunteers, live percussionists and a stilt walker. ‘We are Woven Together’ was the RJC Dance princess worn by Amelia Jeffers-Barton, a tribute to the simplicity and power of nature, promoting sustainability through mas.

DANCE WARRIORS was a tribute to 25 years of RJC Dance. The concept was instigated by choreographer Nillanthie Morton who worked with the arts team & young people to create ideas inspired by the hit film Black Panther and other iconic warrior characters. The creative team attended a workshop with professional artist Alan Pergusey who helped to develop their skills in life drawing & painting techniques specifically around dance. RJC Dance took their king and 50 strong troupe on the road at Leeds West Indian Carnival and won best youth troupe.

Led by choreographer Nillanthie Morton, 50 performers from the RJC Dance Youth Provision and the Adult Community Class showcased LIGHT IT UP at the test match in Headingly. The piece was performed in the stadium in front of 18,000 fans & broadcast on Sky Sports internationally, before being taken on the road at Leeds West Indian Carnival. LIGHT IT UP was inspired by unity and harmony. The costumes took elements from Indian, Caribbean and African arts, using African Ankara print, embroidered sari fabrics and hand painted silks.

NU BLUE was inspired by the paramin blue devils of Trinidad & Tobago. The NU BLUE boys troupe featuring Soca Cheer was choreographed by Nillanthie Morton in workshops and an RJC Dance summer school, with 24 boys on the road on Carnival Day.

RJC Dance created NORTH IT UP inspired by living in Yorkshire – from flat caps to feathers! The costumes were made using many recycled materials as part of the RJC Dance & Mango sustainable Carnival arts policy. NORTH IT UP troupe performed at Derby, Liverpool and Leeds Carnivals.

MAS MOVEMENT was a Carnival troupe inspired by the London 2012 Olympics. The young people designed costumes based on sportswear and urban style which Mango Arts ‘Carnivalised’. 40 RJC Dance Youth Provision members, led by De-Napoli Clarke performed at Light Night & transformed Briggate into a street party with Claudio Kron & live percussionists.

RJC Dance took 20 young people and adults to Rotterdam Carnival to perform on the streets with TIGHTEN YUH BELT, led & choreographed by De-Napoli Clarke. The costumes, designed by Rhian Kempadoo-Millar and Marina Poppa were a social commentary on the politics of the time, the banking crisis and the recession facing the UK.

RISE drew inspiration from the alarming rise in global temperatures and sea levels. As ocean waters warmed, coral reef ecosystems—among the most diverse and delicate on Earth—began to collapse. Responding to this environmental crisis, RISE adopted the slogan “Power Down – Keep It Cool,” a call to action urging people to reduce energy consumption and live more sustainably. The message was brought to life through imaginative, eco-themed costumes designed by Mango Arts and choreography by De-Napoli Clarke, blending creativity with climate awareness in a vibrant display.

RJC Dance took AYA on the road at Leeds West Indian Carnival with a troupe of 40 young people, choreographed by artistic director De-Napoli Clarke. AYA went on to win best troupe. AYA was performed over 20 times in different venues throughout 2007.

RJC Dance & Mango Arts created a costumed performance called ‘WEAKNESS FOR SWEETNESS’ as the finale of the ‘Vision 2003’ conference exploring slavery and the sugar trade at Harewood House. The piece was set at dusk in the courtyard of Harewood and fused contemporary and African choreography by Naomi Czuba. The piece was then developed into the winning troupe SAVAGE featuring RJC Dance Youth Provision on the road at Leeds West Indian Carnival.

RJC Dance first worked with Mango Arts in 2001 on the troupe ROOTS & RESPECT, commissioned by the ‘Spice of Leeds’ & inspired by traditional Trinidadian mas. The sections included Stick Fighter, Playpan, Kaiso and Holi. The prince Dujon Rawlins won 2nd place and the princess Jade Duffield won 3rd place. The troupe, choreographed by Edward Lynch, won best troupe on the road.

RJC Dance first participated in Leeds West Indian Carnival in 1998 with their troupe FIRE WARRIORS created with assistance from costume designer Shelia Howarth.

FIRE WARRIORS won best troupe with its fresh style of costume and innovation in bringing dance choreography to the road for the first time. In 1999, artistic director Edward Lynch led the troupe ‘Easy Ice’ with princess ‘ICE-ERELLA’.