A Welsh dance artist and teacher has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the creative industry at a national award ceremony at the Lowry, Manchester.
Paul Davies, Head of Vocational Training at Cardiff-based Rubicon Dance won the Theatre Skills Award 2018, for support a new generation of young people to gain employment and his commitment to promoting vocational pathways.
His inspirational leadership and dedication to dance has led Rubicon Dance to develop courses which are accessible to learners from all backgrounds, irrespective of their financial situation or previous experience. This Full Time Course, accredited by Adult Learning Wales is for learners aged 16+ looking to study dance more fully, and uniquely in a professional working environment. Learners regularly graduate from Rubicon and go on to study at vocational colleges and universities around Europe.
Talking about his win, Paul said
“I am sincerely thrilled and hugely gratefully for the nomination and the award. I would like to applaud and highlight the innovative work, dedication and passion of my fellow nominees – Fiona Martin, Custom House and Five Dollar Shake Productions.
“I would like to also extend my gratitude and appreciation to CC Skills for the recognition and their continued endeavour to encourage, support and celebrate the development of creative skills for young people. Through their inspiring vision Rubicon looks forward to working closely in partnership, to realise the aspirational potential of our new Dance Library for Wales- a truly unique learning realm that will enable Rubicon to expand learning pathways for careers in the creative industries sector.”
Paul’s professional career spans 27 years as a dancer, choreographer; Artistic Director of NEWDance 2001-2007, and more recently a teacher. He has cultivated his artistry since graduating from Central School of Ballet back in 1991 and was afforded the opportunity to train at the Kirov Ballet, Russia in 1989. He has worked with choreographers such as Karol Armitage, Bill T Jones, Akram Khan, Jasmin Vardimon and further explored his performance artistry with National Dance Company Wales (previously Diversions).
Director of Rubicon Dance, Kathryn Williams said:
“We are all incredibly proud of Paul and the success he has achieved in his 10 years with Rubicon. To have someone of Paul’s caliber working with students is very inspiring and he has made a real impact on many people’s lives.”
Rubicon Dance is one of the UK’s leading community dance organisations and charities. Based in Adamsdown, it is funded by the Arts Council of Wales and has provided community dance activities across South Wales for over 40 years. The organisation provides dance sessions in community centres, schools, day centres, hospitals and community venues across Cardiff, Newport, and Penarth.
Pauline Tambling CBE, Chief executive of awards organisers Creative & Cultural Skills, said:
“Many of our winners are the unsung heroes of our brilliant creative industries. Their inspiring work underpins current success and ensures that future generations will have the skills needed for our sector to grow and thrive.”
The 2018 Creative & Cultural Skills Awards were supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation. The award ceremony took place at The Lowry, Salford, with 200 guests in attendance.
To follow Rubicon’s progress and news of their fundraising activities, please follow their Twitter and Facebook. For more information, please visit: http://www.rubicondance.co.uk/
