One of Wales’ main dance organisations has appointed a new artistic director.
National Dance Company Wales has appointed Matthew Robinson as artistic director. He is the fourth person to hold the title since the departure of Ann Sholem in 2013 – with one, Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, not even getting he feet under the desk.
Robinson joins from VERVE, a post graduate student dance wing of Northern School of Contemporary Dance. He has worked as a dancer, choreographer, facilitator, rehearsal director and artistic director.
He said, “I grew up in a small Devon town, a young gay person. I did not know how to identify myself. I did not see myself in the media or in my community. Dance offered me an inclusive space where my identity could flourish, I lead with this in mind every day, seeking to develop dance as a safe and ambitious space for all.”
NDCWales has a small number of staff and troupe of dancers based at Wales Millennium Centre. The company tours to largely small and medium sized venues in Wales and further afield and some international work.
Photo: Genevieve Reeves