A community dance company that has been an integral part of Cardiff's history for nearly 50 years is under threat. Rubicon Dance is a social arts organisation that has been delivering dance to people of all ages and abilities since 1975.
Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte were treated to a performance by schoolchildren from the group when they visited Cardiff Castle as part of the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in June this year. But the board that runs the organisation has issued an urgent appeal for held after what has been described as a "serious financial issue" was uncovered by a newly-appointed senior leadership team.
A spokesman for the company said: "Our finances are in a difficult position and we face an extremely tough few months. A serious incident has been reported to the Charities Commission and a thorough investigation will take place. Since this discovery the board and senior leadership team have been engaging with our staff, stakeholders, and funders, including the Arts Council of Wales, in an attempt to resolve the situation. There is a strong undercurrent of support from many sources including the Arts Council of Wales which reinforces our determination to secure the future of Rubicon."
The staff and dance leaders have been keeping the organisation running but people who attend the classes and sessions are really concerned. Linda Sims, from Newport, travels to Cardiff every week for a dance class on a Thursday. "I have been with Rubicon for about 15 years," she said. "I was an ex-dancer and was looking for something to keep my interest going. There were some classes at the Riverfront in Newport so I went along and loved it. It has been such a great help to me, getting me out of the house, and I have met some wonderful people. I wold be devastated if we were to lose it.
"During the pandemic my 19-year-old granddaughter Tae died after contracting coronavirus. We were all so devastated and it has been such a struggle but the Rubicon classes have got me out of the house. They have given me the drive to get out. Dance is so powerful and it has given me something."
Stroke survivor Alan Thompson, from Llantrisant, was first introduced to the online movement classes Rubicon provides after being discharged from hospital in 2018. "I had a stroke while having open heart surgery and was in hospital for three and a half months," he said. "When I was discharged I was in a wheelchair and carers were having to come out and help me four times a day. I thought I would never be able to do anything for myself again.
"Then I was introduced to the movement to music classes and it changed everything. They gave me confidence and hope that I could learn to do more. I was able to take up bowls again and I have been able to drive again. What Rubicon has given to me is better than any medication I could have been prescribed. I am being serious when I say it would be a catastrophic disaster if they were not able to continue."
The spokesman for the group added: "During this time all of the incredibly dedicated team that remain at Rubicon – from the new senior leadership team, staff and dance leaders, freelancers to cleaners – have done everything to ensure our classes and services continue as normal. Their passion to serve our communities and dancers has been inspirational. We extend our thanks and gratitude to each and every one of them.
"Despite best efforts and many positive conversations, so far, we have only been able to secure some of the funds needed to stabilise our medium-term financial situation. We are taking advice, speaking to partners, and continue to focus on resolving this situation. We cannot imagine Wales without Rubicon, our people-centred social arts organisation." You can find more information here about how you can help with donations.
READ NEXT:
