Alumni Interview: Nicola Francis

RJC Dance is so proud of all the Youth Provision members who have danced with us over the years. To celebrate their achievements, while at RJC Dance and beyond, we are sharing a series of Alumni Interviews to cast the light onto them. We loved hearing from Nicola Francis, who was with RJC Dance Youth Provision from 1995-2000.

When were you with RJC Dance Youth Provision?
I remember auditioning for RJC Dance youth when I was 14 years old in 1995.

How did you initially hear about RJC Dance?
I was told by my dance teacher about the audition, and she took a few of us that were studying dance at my school to the audition - and most of us were selected.

Why did you join? What attracted you to RJC Dance?
I used to have a major passion for dance. It was my [escape] and my time to be free. I wanted to join these projects because I hardly saw anyone that looked like me in a dance space. The only company I knew of was Alvin Ailey in the USA, but it was extremely rare to see someone who looked like me do what I enjoyed most in life.

What do you remember most about your time, what did you get up to when you were with us (e.g. trips, shows, carnival)?
I had a lot of fun mixed with very hard work. I met so many other young people from other schools some who I am still friends with now. I will always remember some of the teachers especially Naps, Kathy, Donald and David as they were so inspirational to me. They taught us discipline, being proud of who we were, and how to understand the movement and perform.
Our first show was called Captured at the Cochrane Theatre that was in Holborn. From then I danced in a show every year until I was 20. Some of the shows I was in were Scratch Reggae Opera, Passionella, Salsa Youth, Love, Life and Respect. We danced in places like Her Majesty’s theatre, The Albany theatre, The 02 (formerly the Millennium Dome), The Peacock Theatre and the Royal Festival Hall.

What did / do you enjoy about dance?
Dance was my way to express myself. It was my getaway and the only thing I knew that I was good at. I always felt so free when I danced especially when on a stage.

Who inspires you?
There are a lot of people that inspire me such as my parents, siblings and close friends. I am also inspired by people who are true to themselves and are not afraid to go for what they want in life. If we are speaking about someone famous, then that has always been Janet Jackson.

What style of dance did/do you enjoy?
My favourite style of dance has always been Street dance and African.

What did you go on to do next?
I went on to study dance at the University of Surrey Roehampton where I taught street dance to students, alongside some friends. I graduated in 2004 with a degree in Dance studies. I currently work as a Wellbeing Adviser in a London University.

How has your experience with RJC Dance helped you in your career / next steps?
My experience definitely made me want to dance and be on stage more, which is why I chose to complete a degree in dance. Although I do not dance anymore and haven’t in years, I try applying the same passion/discipline I had in dance to helping people.

What advice would you have for a young person at RJC Dance now?

Enjoy every moment and try to take on board not just the choreography, but also the lessons that you will be able to use later in life. Just ENJOY and dance with your WHOLE heart and soul!!!

How would you describe RJC Dance in three words?
FUN, INSPIRING and NECESSARY

Thank you RJC Dance for all that you had done for me in my teenage years. It will never be forgotten !!