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RJC Dance visits University of Leeds for a cultural education trip
11 young people across youth provision groups took a cultural education trip to University of Leeds, led by the wonderful Dr Rebecca Wade, Associate Curator: Cultural Collections & Galleries.
We visited the treasures of the Brotherton gallery, saw the RJC Dance archive on display and got a special treat to see and touch other RJC Dance materials not on display that are housed in the University archive. . Our Young people had some insightful questions and ideas – it was really special to hear everyone’s memories of past performances and to recognise previous youth provision members in the photographs!
We also visited the special archives department and learnt about the UOL online database and some of the oldest artifacts that they have.
We then took a trip to the Faculty of Engineering and visited Professor Briony Thomas, Professor of Applied Creativity, to view see 3D printers and their Carnival creations and their work on new materials. The highlight was watching how they print bones for the body to be used in hospitals. We were also able to see the laser cutting machines that has helped create some of the RJC Dance and Mango Arts Carnival Troupe ‘BANYAN’ 2025 costumes, which are being designed with sustainability in mind. ‘BANYAN’ is the third in a trilogy focusing on a sustainable Carnival. Taking its name from the ancient Banyan tree, this year’s intergenerational Carnival troupe is a celebration of strong communities and collective growth, addressing rainforest conservation.
Thank you to Dr Rebecca Wade, Professor Briony Thomas, the staff at University of Leeds, and RJC Dance volunteer Leilah Gurnah for supporting the trip.
