13 October 2022 09:40

The new series of the RAD’s ‘Why Dance Matters’ podcast starts with an interview with Akram Khan

Today we’re launching series 4 of our podcast with a line-up of fascinating guests. Presenter, David Jays, hosts a wide range of conversations, with people blazing a trail in the world of dance, as well as offering captivating insights from spoken word and sports guests.

Top to bottom: Akram Khan, Benjamin Zephaniah, Dame Monica Mason.

The new series starts with an interview with Akram Khan, one of the leading choreographers today whose work has shaped the international contemporary dance landscape. Next, we'll journey through dance history with Dame Monica Mason who recalls some of her memories travelling the world with The Royal Ballet, as well as the significance of home for an arts organisation. There is also opportunity to hear from prominent dance voices, representing a range of styles and experiences: choreographer Charlotte Edmonds discusses her varied career and how she is amplifying the voices of artists with dyslexia; UK pioneering father, Jay Jay Revlon (listed as one of Time Out’s 'One to Watch') offers a perspective of working in Ballroom (voguing) and creating safe spaces and conversations for QPOC and LGBTQ+ people; and from the RAD, our own Dr Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel speaks about training the dance teachers of tomorrow.

We also venture outside the world of dance, speaking to poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, who narrates the new Peaky Blinders dance theatre show by Rambert. Last but not least, we hit a home run with Zack Frongillo, entertainment director for US baseball team, the Savannah Bananas, about how they are putting dance at the centre of their games.

Speaking of the new series, David Jays enthused: "What I love about these conversations is asking our guests about the things that matter most to them. Whether it is Akram Khan talking about loss and creative confusion, Monica Mason describing her travels through cold war Europe and segregated America, or poet Benjamin Zephaniah, brought to tears by the impact his work has had on readers - it's a rare privilege to encounter such big hearts and minds."

Running order:

  • Episode 1: Akram Khan, choreographer, 13 October
  • Episode 2: Dame Monica Mason DBE, former Director of The Royal Ballet and Vice-President of RAD, 20 October
  • Episode 3: Zack Frongillo, Entertainment Director of the Savannah Bananas, 27 October
  • Episode 4: Charlotte Edmonds, choreographer, dancer and film-maker, 3 November
  • Episode 5: Jay Jay Revlon, dancer, DJ and committed community activist, 10 November
  • Episode 6: Dr Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel, RAD’s Head of Research and Academic Integrity Lead, 17 November
  • Episode 7: Benjamin Zephaniah, poet, 24 November

'Why Dance Matters' is available on all major streaming platforms. Visit our podcast page to find out more.