We are proud to see NSCD alumni Kathy Williams (1990) and Tess Chaytor (1997) on the shortlist for the first ever sector-wide dance awards.
The One Dance UK awards are an opportunity for those in the industry to unite, celebrate, acknowledge and recognise the people who have made an impact on the vibrant UK dance landscape.
An expert panel of judges drawn from the dance sector reviewed over 800 nominations to arrive at a shortlist of 3 nominees for each category.
See the full list of shortlisted nominees on the One Dance UK website
Kathy Williams, Director of RJC Dance, is shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement in Dance Education and Learning Award (sponsored by Harlequin)
Kathy Williams is the director and a founder member of RJC Dance. Kathy’s passion stems from her background as a British Olympic artistic gymnast. Talent-spotted and nurtured in a primary after-school gymnastics club at the age of 10, within 4 years she became the first black British female international artistic gymnast.
Following an illustrious international career in gymnastics, Kathy then trained and graduated from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance with a BPA in Dance and in 1993 went on to be the sole founding female member of RJC Dance with Edward Lynch, David (Leo) Hamilton, Donald Edwards, Martin Robinson, De-Napoli Clarke & Joe Williams.
“I am humbled to be shortlisted for the One Dance UK, Life-time Achievement in Dance Education and Learning award in 2018- this, our 25th anniversary year. Since 1993 over 20,000 diverse young people have engaged with RJC Dance, an achievement I am enormously proud of and I relish our reputation as an inclusive Black British Dance Organisation.”
Tess Chaytor, Co-founder of TIN Arts, is shortlisted for the Inspirational Community Dance Practitioner Award (sponsored by Leeds City College)
Originally from the North East of England, Tess graduated from NSCD in 1997 and formed TIN Arts in January 1999 alongside Martin Wilson, another NSCD alumni. Since then they have nurtured and developed one of the country’s leading dance development organisations specialising in inclusive dance and offering high-level dance training for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
‘It is thrilling to be nominated for a national award. In 2019 we celebrate 20 years since we formed TIN Arts and I couldn’t think of a better way to build up to the celebrations with this honour’.
The final winners in each category will be announced at a glamorous award ceremony, dinner and celebration on 24 November in Leeds.
