Young people aged 7-16 will be able to learn to dance this summer with dance company Jones the Dance.
The series of three-day workshops in Wrexham, Newtown and Cardiff are designed to get young people moving, make new friends and boost creativity.
In Cardiff and Wrexham Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people are invited to attend the free Quiet Beat summer school sessions. Quiet Beats is one half of Jones the Dance’s Young Company. The Schools will be led by Deaf dancer Ben Randall in Cardiff and Deaf actor and dancer Raphaella Julien In Wrexham. They will be supported by Jones the Dance’s Dance Officers Amber Howells and Eli Williams.
The specially tailored sessions respond to the needs of young Deaf people so they can get the most out of dancing and enjoy an experience where they might find barriers in a hearing setting. This year parents and guardians in North Wales can take part in free BSL lessons whilst their young people dance on one of the days too.
“To be in a room full of young deaf dancers is a privilege, as this is something that does not happen very often. Young people have so much to bring—their ideas and their creativity. It doesn’t always have to be about dance itself; it’s also a form of expression, a way for them to show who they are and share their stories. What excites me most is getting to know them.”- Raffie Julien
In Newtown - Jones Bach the other half of Jones the Dance’s young company, will meet in the stunning grounds of Gregynog hall where they will spend five days learning to create a performance from scratch which will be performed on the final day.
Ideas for the performance will be inspired by the amazing story of prolific art collectors Gwendoline and Margaret Davies who gifted Wales with some of the world’s most famous paintings including pieces from Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne.
The young dancers will work with Jones the Dance Artistic Director Gwyn Emberton. Gwyn grew up in Mid-Wales and is passionate about sharing his experiences as a dance artist with young locals.
“We want to create opportunities for some of the most rurally isolated people in Wales to be the dancers of tomorrow if they wish. We will support young people to reach their potential and gain the immense confidence that can be achieved through dance opportunities- in a supportive, creative, and fun environment,” Gwyn Emberton.
Jones the Dance takes great care to ensure that Summer School experiences are available to young people with no dance experience at all, as well as those that already enjoy it - focussing on nurturing creativity, fostering friendships and sharing artistic skills.
Jones Bach
4-8 August, Newtown, Mid-Wales.
For all young dancers who want to dance and perform. Over four days you'll make a brand new dance show - learning new skills and using your imagination.
https://www.jonesthedance.com/jones-bach
Quiet Beats
29-31 July, Wrexham, North Wales
12-14 August, Cardiff, South Wales
For those Deaf and hard of hearing. Three days of dancing to connect with new friends and move your body in ways that makes you feel good.
Free to attend
https://www.jonesthedance.com/quiet-beats
Bursaries and travel bursaries are available for young people where cost is a barrier. Please get in touch with Jones the Dance producer Kama on info_and_admin@jonesthedance.come to find out more.