We are proud to announce that NSCD alumna Kathy Williams OLY has been awarded an MBE for her services to dance, in King Charles’ first New Year’s Honours List.

Kathy made history in 1984 when she became the first black female artistic gymnast to represent Great Britain, competing at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She subsequently went on to train in dance and graduated from NSCD with a BPA in Performing Arts (Dance) in 1990.

In 1993, Kathy became the sole female founding member of Leeds-based RJC Dance, where she has been Director since 2011. RJC Dance is an award-winning organisation delivering dance-based experiences for children, young people and adults, particularly those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds and those with limited access to arts and culture. In 2020, Kathy received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Dance of the African Diaspora from One Dance UK.

We would like to congratulate Kathy on her achievement and are delighted that her dedication and contributions have been recognised in this way.

Edward Fletcher Lynch, RJC Dance founder also received an MBE for services to dance.