BEING ART

I understand two things in this world – words and movement. There’s something empowering and essential about self-declaration. Deciding who you are for yourself and not waiting for someone else to appoint you. For a long time, I only thought of myself as a dancer, but over the years I have come to see myself also as a choreographer, writer and director. Declaring these things has been an essential aspect in releasing myself into the fullness of what I have to offer through my art.

I create dance theatre works for stage, public space and film, which explore themes of intersectional identity, mental health and wellbeing, and empowerment. These themes aren’t random, they are intimately connected to me. Through my art, I am able to explore my own identity and share that exploration with others to offer connection and support; to encourage moments of introspection and spur social change.

My work is never fiction – it is always derived, in some way or another, from my life and/or the lives of those around me. I’m inspired by nature, my life experiences and by those closest to me. Once that first piece of inspiration comes, it’s planted and takes root inside my mind. Most of my ideas, for writing or movement, remain inside my mind for years – growing and taking shape – before they ever become something physical. And then, when it’s time, I pour them out onto the page or into a studio space. I pour them out, unrefined and unstructured.

My goal is to get them out and, only after they are out, do I mould them into shape. One of the things I love most about live performance art is that it is never finished. There is unending depth to be found within each, and every thought and idea. So, I plan the many ways I will explore this work before deciding on one way, not the right way (there is no right way), to share it with others. And then, the following years are spent in continued exploration of the many forms in which a piece of work can take. My pleasure as an artist is not found in the accolades of a finished production, but in the exploration of a work – during the creation and performance of that work. It is because of this pleasure that I am able to enjoy the work I produce. Because it’s not about perfection or one way of being, instead, it’s about the being. Being an artist – and, as a dancer – being art.

It’s easy to get weighted down wondering whether or not we’re good enough as artists. For me, I never ask myself whether I’m good enough. I create because of my love for creation and for people. Being a great artist is not and never will be my goal. Authenticity is my cornerstone, equity is my purpose, innovation is my ambition, and empowerment is my aspiration. My goal, is ART.

Our Voice Bursary

In 2021, I founded the Our Voice Network | Rhwydwaith Ein Llais – a network that exists to empower, platform and develop artists of the Global Majority, through professional development opportunities, showcasing events, and bursaries. In March 2022, I produced a sharing event at the Riverfront Theatre, Newport ‘There’s Room for Me Too’, to raise money for two Our Voice Bursaries.

The 'Our Voice Bursary' 2022 supports two female artists of the Global Majority for one year, to begin a career in the arts and make ongoing connections in the arts sector. Along with my mentoring and support of these artists, they will also receive one week of space to explore their art-form, £500.00, and the opportunity to share their work in a 2023 showcase produced by me, supported by the Riverfront Theatre, Newport. The 2022 Our Voice Bursary recipients are Karema Ahmed and Stephanie Stevens. Karema is a Cardiff-based emerging singer/song-writer, who is passionate about music and how it allows people to express themselves and connect with others. Stephanie is an actor, writer and singer. She is drawn to theatre that incorporates love, spirituality, history and equality.

Karema Ahmed & Stephanie Stevens

I began these bursaries as a way to support the next generation of influential artists. To offer others the opportunity to learn as I learn, to develop as I develop, and to be seen as I am seen. I am committed to this work and will do everything in my power to ensure the success of Our Voice Network | Rhwydwaith Ein Llais and The Our Voice Bursary.