Series 8

February – April 2024.

Interviews include Wesley Ruzibiza, Naomi Smart, Patrick Makuakane, Rebecca Yates, Olivia Lume, and a special episode featuring Carlos Acosta, Dame Monica Mason, Jennifer White, and Wayne McGregor.

Episode 1: Wesley Ruzibiza

We launch the new season of Why Dance Matters with a vital figure in African contemporary dance. Wesley Ruzibiza discovered dance almost by accident –…
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Episode 2: Naomi Smart

In 2021, Naomi Smart qualified as a teacher at the Royal Academy of Dance: “Never thought dance teaching was an option for me but here…
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Episode 3: Patrick Makuakāne

Patrick Makuakane is a dance maker, teacher and hula master and recently received a fellowship from the MacArthur Foundation. The fellowships are given to preeminent…
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Episode 4: Rebecca Yates

The Silver Swans programme is one of the Royal Academy of Dance's most life-enhancing initiatives. Silver Swans are people of 55 and over, taking a…
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Episode 5: Olivia Lume

With members in over 80 countries around the world, and Royal Academy of Dance's relationship with its members depends on its National Directors. They include…
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Episode 6: Life changing moments with Why Dance Matters

Special Episode broadcast on 4 April 2024 We've made over 50 episodes of Why Dance Matters, and the conversations often hinge on life-changing moments. This…
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