Dance has the remarkable ability to captivate our hearts and souls, moving us in ways words cannot express. For James Knott, dance has been a lifelong passion that has shaped his journey as a performer and artist. 

In the world of movement and expression, Hannah Darby emerges as a vibrant force, seamlessly blending her lifelong passion for dance with a great love for circus arts.

In the heart of the Wye Valley, amidst the picturesque landscapes of South Wales, resides Alys Davies—a freelance dance artist whose elegant movements and raw intricacy captivate audiences far and wide.

I guess this is for anyone who is worried they can’t be counted as one of the million Welsh speakers in 2050 because of one reason or another. 

I want to be counted. But I will not force myself into a way of learning that is unhealthy for me. I want this learning journey to be as beautiful as the language I desire to learn. 

So, where does that leave me? 

I’m a firm believer that every single choice we make is fuelled by either love or fear. Think through your choices - you’ll see. Even the choice to hate someone is fuelled by love or fear. How love and fear fuel these choices is complex and personal. 

I often have people asking me, ‘So, what are you up to?’ and each time I stare blankly and rattle off a few bits that I can remember off the top of my head. However, for anyone interested, here’s what I’m up to. 

We're seeking a Stage Manager for Krystal S. Lowe’s new dance theatre work, Remarkable Rhythm. Rehearsals will take place at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport.

 Tour dates: 27 May – 6 June 2023

I will revive me.

I will.

I’ll revive myself.

I’ll revive myself with hot soup and hot showers and cold walks through misty mornings.

I’ll revive myself with dancing and music and singing too loud.

With soft breads and chocolate;

With log fires and wool blankets;

With nudity and sex (not necessarily at the same time);

With the moon and stars;

With writing and long films;

With lemon cake and cups of tea (see above);

With love and bravery and hope – I will revive me.

I used to think power was an object

Held and pushed toward weak ones.

To ensure, they felt it and saw it fully.

Then, and only then, would power be in full effect.

The object could be passed on,

One to another,

but never held by more than one person in any one space.

The most valuable thing that people have given to me throughout my career has been support. Life as a creative can be lonely and trying to do things in the arts sector can be daunting, even when you have the answers, it’s even more difficult when you need support and don’t know where to turn. So, I want to say that you can turn to me.

I’m offering free (in every context) support to any one who needs it.

Over the past few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about the safe spaces in the world/sector and how I can not only be a safe person but commit to maintaining safe spaces for myself and others.

An open letter to the sector based on my lived experience as well as the lived experiences of Black artists who generously shared their lives with me.

On this project I am Partner, Producer, Creator, Performer, and Facilitator and in each of my roles I have learned so much. Below I’ll share, as concisely as possible, not every detail of my learning but the things I’d like to share at this time. My learning will blur between these roles but for ease of reading I have separated the roles.

Somehow,

you know me.

Through the noise and the chaos –

you know me.

Not through the things that are said – and there are many things said -

but through some invisible material which connects us to each other.

It has always connected us.

Shout out to all the women who name themselves.

The women who don't let anyone else decide who they are,

how much they understand and where their place is in this world.