We are really proud of the work of Rubicon and our staff. Take a look at our recent achievements and partnerships!

The Creative & Cultural Skills Awards

The Creative & Cultural Skills Awards are designed to celebrate inspirational individuals, teams and organisations who show an outstanding commitment to the training and development of new talent in the creative industries. 

From 2017 Rubicon Dance has been shortlisted every year and has won the Theatre Skills Award twice.

In 2018 Paul Davies, Head of Vocational Training, won the award for his inspirational leadership on the Full Time BTEC Dance course at Rubicon and his support of vocational pathways for learners from all backgrounds.

The previous year the Theatre Skills award was won by Tracey Brown, Mentoring, Training and Development Leader for her work with Community Dance Apprentices at Rubicon and for rolling the model out to other arts organisations across Wales. Tracey’s work has given more young people opportunities to access careers in community dance, which has significantly contributed to the development of the sector in Wales. 

In 2019 we were once again shortlisted and our fulltime students had the honour of performing at the Creative & Cultural Skills Awards held at the national Museum in Cardiff. 

In 2020 one of Rubicon's full time BTEC learners was also celebrated in the at the very first Creative & Cultural Skills Wales Awards. Iestyn James won the Wales Creative Learner of the Year Award for being a role model at Rubicon and a great example of how young people can inspire others to work hard and set their goals high. Well done Iestyn!

Photo credits to Creative and Cultural Skills Council UK (CCSkills)

The National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards

In 2018 Rubicon dance practitioner Esther Kilbride was awarded 'The Making a Difference' award for her work with disabled dancers at Rubicon. 

The awards highlight the important work of those who provide excellent support for people with learning disabilities. Esther was chosen for the Making a difference award because of the positive change she makes to people's lives working in the field of learning disability. Her creative, inclusive sessions were praised for giving equal opportunities to people with learning disabilities. Esther's commitment and passion for her sessions gives many people a chance to be involved in the community. A truly deserved award - well done Esther. 

The Understanding Disability Awards

In 2018 Rubicon also won in the 'local group' category in the Understanding Disability Awards. Run by the Cardiff and Vale Parents' Federation, who support parents and carers of people with disabilities, the awards 'celebrate examples of the successful inclusion of people with learning disabilities in ordinary life'. We were chosen for the award because of our dance sessions for both adults and children with disabilities and high support needs. Run by Esther, we are extremely proud of our work in this field and everyone who attends sessions.

The Business Growth Awards - South Wales

Business Growth Awards South Wales identify and celebrate the creativity and pioneers of business, bringing together entrepreneurs, decision-makers and influencers shaping the business community in South Wales.  

Tracey Brown, Mentoring, Training and Development Leader at Rubicon, was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Employee of the Year Category in a celebratory evening which took place in St David’s Hotel and Spa, Cardiff Bay. She was nominated by a colleague for her commitment to Rubicon, having started work for the organisation in 1996. Tracey was recognised for her four roles at Rubicon which started in establishing Rubicon’s community programme for people of all ages and abilities and most recently in supporting Rubicon’s apprentices and dance leaders. She was also recognised for her achievements in managing the Wales Wide Training Programme and its seventeen partner organisations.