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At the age of ten, Darius James found himself before the Gwent County Council, facing a challenging question: “Why should we give you money?” Despite having secured a place at the Royal Ballet School, James’ family couldn’t afford the fees. In response, he promised to refine his talents and use them to benefit his community in Newport. Now, as his dance company Ballet Cymru celebrates its 40th anniversary, James reflects on the journey and hopes he has lived up to that early commitment.
During his childhood in Newport during the 1970s, James noted how rare it was for boys to pursue ballet. He expressed deep appreciation for the encouragement from his parents, especially his father. A lifelong football enthusiast working at the Alcan aluminium factory, his father initially didn’t fully understand James’ passion but grew to love it. James contrasts this with the present-day challenges, lamenting that many young dancers still face parental skepticism, even after four decades.
In the company’s early days, after some financial support from the Arts Council of Wales, Ballet Cymru endured 13 years without any funding and 28 years lacking a permanent home. To keep the company afloat, James toured with other ballet groups like Northern Ballet. Amy Doughty, now co-artistic director and James’ wife, joined as a dancer in 1996. She recounted rehearsing wherever space was available, often transporting all necessary equipment and dance floors themselves.
It wasn’t until 2014, when National Lottery funding became available, that Ballet Cymru was able to transform a warehouse into a dedicated studio—located on the industrial estate James’ father passed through on his way to work. Early on, James even covered the word “ballet” on their van during community workshops, fearing it might deter people. Doughty believes perceptions have evolved significantly since then, highlighting their ongoing efforts in Newport schools and performances to help people truly understand the company’s mission
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