Our dance family at 30: Luke, Diana and Justin's Story

As RJC Dance celebrates its 30th anniversary, we want to share some beautiful intergenerational stories of the families who dance with us. Next are Luke, Diana and Justin Tyson, who answered our questions about their experience with RJC Dance. Alumna Diana is still very involved in the Adult Community Class and through the encouragement and support from his time at RJC Dance, Luke now studies Contemporary Dance at Leeds Beckett University and an active memeber of the RJC Dance Youth Provision Boyz group.

How does it make you feel to see your son Luke dancing with RJC Dance Youth Provision?

I am very proud and happy that Luke is enjoying dance being a creative in an environment that encourages this and encourages the individual to follow their dreams into dancing as a professional career.

Kathy in particularly guided and supported Luke to go to college to focus mainly on Contemporary dance, that really was not his favourite dance genre, however with some advice from RJC Dance, he started his dance qualifications at Leeds City College, then onto Cert HE Cultural Dance Forms at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD).

Having passed with a distinction from the NSCD, Luke is currently studying Contemporary Dance at Leeds Beckett University and continues to attend RJC Dance Youth Provision Boyz group and takes part in other dance projects.

Luke’s social skills and self-confidence have really increased since starting RJC Dance Youth Provision, his social interactions have really grown which has helped Luke in so many ways both personally and professionally. Seeing this happen is so wonderful and we give RJC Dance the praise they deserve.

Luke sees Nillianthie (tutor/choreographer RJC Dance) as his mentor and would love to be a teacher in the future particularly within a community engagement setting to encourage kids into dance and the creative industries.

What memories does it bring back from your own experience dancing with RJC Dance Adult Community class?

Laughter and making life-long friends. It’s a place where I can express myself and really enjoy being part of a team of fantastic women who celebrate women who are there for each other, through the highs and the lows, the laughter and the tears. I have found a place where I feel safe to be me, Diana the dancer, not just the mum, wife, daughter, sister-in-law but someone who can be part of a group of dancers who really care about each other and know how to encourage, support and help one another. For me RJC Dance Adult Community class has a very special energy and I appreciate being part of such a caring family.

How important do you think dance and exercise in your life?

For me exercise is very important, it helps my physical health and as well as my mental well-being. As I currently having challenges with the menopause, I find it difficult to maintain my weight, it unfortunately goes up and down. I find that being with ladies who are in a similar situation as myself reassuring, and I know that I can openly discuss challenges without feeling judged but supported and listened to.

Most of all we encourage each other on the difficult days, have fun and laugh with Nillanthie and have found friendships that are about being your authentic self. I now dance at the front of the class, laughing when I do moves wrong and grooving away when Nillanthie plays those tunes, mixed in his own special way. I look forward to Thursday nights in social way and also for a way to keep my physical and mental health balanced.

When did you become a member of RJC Dance Adult Community Class?

I became a member in 2016, I remember it well, I was nervous and I really wanted to dance in Christmas Show as it looked such wonderful and fun. I started in 2016 and I was diagnosed with 1^st stage breast cancer in early 2017 and my goal was to be fit and ready to dance in the Christmas show and I did. I personally did not share this information with the ladies I danced with as I wanted to keep it private, it was my way of dealing with it. My husband's uncle was also going through spinal cancer and we were supporting and helping him with this very painful cancer. Fortunately I am a complementary therapist and I trained in cancer Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Hypnotherapy, which really helped both Tony and myself. It definitely played a big part in my recovery having these therapies and also going to RJC Dance where I could just dance and forget about the other things that were going on. I have found the group a great set of people with a wealth of wisdom who support, encourage and understand life challenges.

However you are there to dance and dance you do, I get fit have fun and have found a great bunch of ladies who have become friends who cheerlead each other on. Laughter, fun, friendship, fitness are added bonuses, you learn to express yourself in your own unique way in this class.

After my recover I found it easy to discuss the breast cancer and also help other people through tough and challenging times with cancer.

I joined RJC Dance Adult Community class because I wanted to be part of a community of dancers who loved dancing and really encouraged each other. (Family)

Are any other members of your family involved in any way with RJC Dance?

My husband Justin has also been a part of the RJC Dance, volunteering there for approximately 6 years. He has always been more than happy to help in any way possible driving the Youth Provision members to performances, locally and nationally for FRESH National Youth Dance Platform on the mini bus. Chaperone duties when he’s needed at the Christmas shows, on Carnival day, residentials to Herd Farm and various other activities. Justin has an enhanced DBS and Chaperone license and is aware that RJC Dance needs and appreciated this support to provide the best opportunities for the youth provision members. He has always made himself available, giving his time this way by helping a well-deserved charity and an essential part of the community. He has seen the excellent work RJC Dance does and have done, not only with our son but with all the other Youth Provision members. Justin feels a part of the team RJC Dance (family) without the support of this organisation, our son would not be on the pathway he is on and working towards. We credit RJC Dance, they have enhanced Luke’s progression and development as a performer and supported his journey to becoming a professional dancer.

How does your shared experience of RJC Dance Adult Community Class impact your relationship with your son?

Our shared experience has been fun and it makes me realise how much hard work goes into performing and that you have to be truly dedicated to be choosing dance as a career. It has helped for us both to dance, Luke shows me moves, shares friendship and we discuss elements of performing which has brought us together. It’s definitely a family affair! We have found the place to enjoy our collective creativity together. Nillanthie is such a great teacher and makes it enjoyable. All the staff at RJC Dance are extremely helpful, supportive and really encourage Luke, I know they are proud of all he is achieving and still to achieve.

How would you describe RJC Dance in 3 words?

Inspirational – Inspiring

Family

Inclusive

Justin and I would like to thank all members of staff particularly Kathy, Nillanthie and Stef for their support of Luke and myself and for helping Luke feel confidence in himself and his dance abilities. His social skills have really come on, no longer is he the quiet, shy lad, he now gets involved, he asks questions, he realises that he can be himself and people will accept and appreciate his input and that his voice is important too. Thank you RJC Dance for being so inspirational and inspiring so many generations of dances to reach for the stars so that they can be a star here on Earth.