Youth Up in Lockdown

Youth Up in Lockdown is a series of mini films, with energetic performances featuring young people from our RJC Dance Youth Provision. We launched the project so we could connect with our young people while we couldn't see them in the studio, and to keep them involved in the creative arts. It's an expression of the impact that 2020 made on each one.

A talented group of dancers share their interpretation of life in lockdown through stunning dance performances. Youth Provision member Keldan Copeland shares a powerful poem about his experience in lockdown. Through dance and words, he expressed views on the racism he has seen, and what impact it has had on his own life. We also see talented dancers telling their story of lockdown, a beautiful compilation reflecting on their challenges, and how they are breaking down the stereotypes placed upon them.

Physical interpretation, discovering the stories of lockdown life, told by our young people here in Leeds through dance has encouraged our RJC Dance Youth Provision to keep up their dance despite the Covid-19 pandemic, and to express their experiences of 2020 in movement.

It brought our young people together and kept them dancing through the 2020 lockdown, we are so proud of each and every mini film and the creativity and honesty of each performance.

Featuring: Kelden Copeland, Zacara Jordan Mills, Eve Drury, Tre'von Gibson, Malachi Brown, Nyomi Grant, Kishi Daniel Reid, Ava Kamara, Zorey Webb, Zaine Webb, Isaac Grant, Lemuel Hughes, Aurora Brown, Abril Priganica, Naomi Coleman, Cara Kelly, Seb Goodall, Teyo Moore Woodbine, Alysia Carty, Marni Bartlett, Elayah Walwyn, Kian Bowry, Owen Jeffers, Jasmine Sewell, Luke Tyson, Kenya Bowry, Jasmine David, Amira Pinney, Andreas Herbert and Mieke Grey.
Watch their inspiring performances here: