Rooted in Community and Growth: RJC Dance and Mango Arts present ‘BANYAN’ at Leeds West Indian Carnival 2025

RJC Dance and Mango Arts return to Carnival in 2025 with a powerful new theme: BANYAN. Taking its name from the ancient and majestic Banyan tree, this year’s Carnival troupe is a celebration of deep roots, strong communities and collective growth, addressing rainforest conservation.

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.

This year's costumes, created by Mango Arts and based on original ink and watercolour sketches by artist Rhian Kempadoo-Millar, draw on powerful natural and spiritual symbols from around the world. Four bespoke designs represent a different facet of connection and regeneration.

The costume of Aranyani is inspired by the Hindu goddess of the forest, protector of nature and all living beings. The design captures the fragility and freedom of butterflies, highlighting the urgent environmental issues that threaten their habitats. As pollinators, butterflies are vital to biodiversity and their decline serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to protect the ecosystems we depend on.

Guacamaya, a vivid tribute to the majestic macaws of Latin America. These brightly coloured birds, deeply embedded in Amerindian culture and mythology, are now under threat due to habitat destruction and illegal trade. Their wings, symbolising flight, freedom and cosmic connection, are reimagined using paper-crafted headpieces and recycled macramé in a dazzling display of sustainability and spirit.

Osanyin, is rooted in Yoruba tradition. Osanyin is the deity of herbal medicine and forest knowledge - a powerful symbol of healing and reverence for the natural world. The costume features root-like recycled neckpieces and a bold paper mohawk, representing the strength found in tradition, nature, and ancestral wisdom.

Finally, Mama Mycelium explores the invisible networks that hold life together. Just like the underground fungal networks that connect trees and plants, this costume symbolises the unseen threads that link generations and communities. Made from recycled frames, paper and re-dyed silk, it celebrates the quiet power of support, exchange, and unity, all central values of RJC Dance.

As always, the Carnival troupe is intergenerational, bringing together around 100 participants made up of youth provision members, adult performers, volunteers and creative artists, to form a living, moving representation of cultural heritage and collective growth.

BANYAN: Where All Our Roots Interconnect

BANYAN completes the RJC Dance and Mango Arts sustainability in Carnival trilogy.

In 2023, NATROBEAT celebrated the power and simplicity of nature using natural materials and traditional techniques to create fully biodegradable costumes, winning best troupe overall at Leeds West Indian Carnival.

In 2024, AZUL shared the beauty of the oceans and the importance of preserving our planet by reusing industrial waste such as single use plastic and PPE, and won Leeds West Indian Carnival best on stage and best troupe overall for the second year running.

Leeds West Indian Carnival takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August. Come and celebrate with us and watch BANYAN come to life.

For more information, visit: https://www.leedscarnival.co.uk

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BANYAN is supported by Arts Council England, Leeds City Council and University of Leeds.