Women Speak Volumes in Conversation throws the spotlight on the work of pioneering creative older women whose stories need to be told. Over the course of seven weeks we will present seven ground-breaking women who have forged careers across different art forms and whose stories are an inspiration to us all.
Wednesday 2nd April 2025 7.00- 8.30pm
198 Contemporary Arts and Learning, 198 Railton Road, London SE24 0JT
£5
The world of dance can be seen as mysterious and elitist, closed to anyone outside the establishment. But that never deterred Sharon Watson MBE, DL, a trailblazing figure in the world of contemporary dance over three decades whose career also includes a steadfast advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the arts.
Training at the London School of Contemporary Dance in the 1980s, Leeds-born Sharon emerged as one of the first female Principal Dancers at the renowned Phoenix Dance Company. Her tenure with Phoenix Dance Theatre (1989-1997) saw her shine as a performer and choreographer in groundbreaking works such as ‘Never Still’. Sharon became Artistic Director at Phoenix Dance Theatre in 2009, captivating audiences with her choreographic brilliance in pieces including ‘Fast Lane’ and ‘Windrush: Movement of the People’, which resonated deeply worldwide. In May 2020, Sharon became the fourth Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance back in Leeds. As well as being a Trustee of various arts organisations and institutions in the north of England, Sharon became a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of West Yorkshire 2020 and her numerous awards include becoming 2016’s Yorkshire Woman of the Year and being granted an MBE in 2021.
Come and hear about the life and work of this award-winning dancer and choreographer whose tireless advocacy, innovative choreography and visionary leadership continue to shape the future of contemporary dance for both artists and audiences alike. Sharon will be in conversation with literary activist and creative entrepreneur Joy Francis, co-founder of Words of Colour.
These conversations are part of a wider project: Women Speak Volumes Between Generations. Produced in collaboration by Speaking Volumes, Words of Colour and the George Padmore Institute, in association with 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning and the University of Coastal Carolina.
This is the fourth of seven conversations running from 19 February to 14 May which will throw the spotlight on the work of pioneering creative older black women whose stories need to be shared.
The Women Speak Volumes project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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