Many Welsh or Wales based arts graduates are finding this current period especially difficult. Their usual opportunities to meet agents, prepare for final year exhibitions or productions may take place later in the year or sadly not at all. To raise awareness of the diverse talent graduating this year GTC is offering any Welsh or Wales based graduate the opportunity to be showcased on our website. If you are interested, please do get in touch.
Hi Robyn great to meet you, can you give our readers some background information on yourself please?
Hello! My name is Robyn Elias, I’m 24 years old and I’m in my final year of the BA (Hons) Dance Degree at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, so I will be graduating this year!
I’m mostly trained in contemporary dance but have a lots of experience in and enjoy ballet, tap, commercial and circus skills!During my time training, I’ve had the opportunity to work with artists such as Matteo Marfoglia, Gwyn Emberton, Zosia Jo, Emma Lewis, and Jo Fong. I’m excited to graduate and get started as a professional dancer, and see what stuff I can get involved in!
Matteo Marfoglia 
Gwyn Emberton 
Zosia Jo 
Emma Lewis 
Jo Fong
Can you tell us about your creative process?
I like to create from things that I enjoy or that intrigue me into wanting to discover more! I recently created a 25 minute dance work that investigated the creation and development of choreography that is derived from research into neuromusicology. This idea came from my love of listening to music! I was intrigued to how different types of music makes us want to naturally move in certain ways, so I wanted to explore this even further!
As as young Welsh artist graduating during a very difficult period, what investment and support do you think is required to enable your career to develop and prosper?
Well, the amount of online classes and streamed events that are available is amazing! So getting used to everything being online is a bit challenging to be honest. But it’s nice to see the dance community come together and support each other. This has really helped me stay motivated and keep moving through this time.It’s made me more aware of what is actually out there and enabled me to get to know dance artists and companies a bit more. It’s also allowed me to take classes with industry professionals in other styles that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to!
A range of arts organisations and individuals are now working online or finding new ways to reach out to audiences. Have you seen any particularly good examples of this way of working?
Yes! As not everyone has enough room to move in their homes, there has been many classes that encourage you to find places in your home that you can work with. There is enough out there for everyone of all ages and levels to get involved! E.g. the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD@Home) are offering free beginner ballet class videos on their website for kids and adults!
Dance companies such as Rosie Kay, Hofesh Shechter, Alvin Ailey, Trisha Brown, Martha Graham, and NDCWales have streamed classes and performances online that I have really enjoyed!
These have been through live streams or uploaded onto Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, etc. Individual artists are also offering dance or yoga classes too! I discovered these by following them on social media.
If you were to fund an area of the arts in Wales, what would this be and why?
Space. More accessible spaces for artists to create! Education. Postgraduate opportunities in Wales! Dance as therapy. The recognition of the benefits of movement therapy for mental health and physical well-being!
What excites you about the arts in Wales?
How determined everyone in the arts is to stay in Wales, and continue to create work and opportunities, and expand the Welsh arts industry!
What was the last really great thing that you experienced that you would like to share with our readers?
I recently discovered the BBC Arts: Culture in Quarantine website! There’s loads of great stuff on there to watch or read and keep yourself entertained during the lockdown!
Thank you for your time Robyn.
Thank you!
