(Photography credit right: Alice Pennnefather)
A ground-breaking dance organisation formed by a 14-year-old schoolboy from Somerset has been recognised in Parliament for making performing arts more accessible and inclusive and championing dance in rural and semi-rural areas.
Project Dance, directed by James Bamford, was recognised in an Early Day Motion tabled by Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil on 15 April 2026.
“I am proud to table an Early Day Motion recognising the incredible work of James Bamford and Project Dance. Their commitment to supporting young people through dance, building confidence, and creating opportunities in our community is truly inspiring. It is right that their impact is recognised in Parliament.” said Dance.
(Photography Credit: Jamie Randall)
Project Dance works with young people, aspiring dancers and professional graduates, and delivers a varied programme of community and artistic projects annually. Each summer they tour an original, accessible narrative dance theatre production nationally. Their work is underpinned by a clear commitment to access, youth voice and the long-term sustainability of dance careers. Since 2018 Project Dance has provided opportunities for over 2000 young people to access the arts.
“At its core, Project Dance was made to champion, empower and support young people’s access to dance. Now, even with a commitment to developing and presenting world-class touring theatre, our mission remains the same,” said Bamford, now 22, from Yeovil. “I am immensely proud of the work we do, and all whilst continuing to expand on and build our national footing, we remain firmly anchored in our hometown of Yeovil. We advocate passionately for the value of the arts in rural and semi-rural communities and so have received the support and recognition from Yeovil’s MP in this way is an enormous privilege.”
(Photography Credit Left: Studio H Photography)
Jacqueline Taylor, Chair of Trustees of the Project Dance Charity Foundation said, “We are delighted to have our work to promote dance education and access to the arts celebrated by the Early Day Motion and are very grateful to Adam Dance MP for his recognition and support. Project Dance Charity Foundation is proud to enable as many young people as possible to share the creativity, energy and sheer joy that Project Dance brings to participants and audiences alike.”
Bamford founded Project Dance when he was just 14, as he felt there were not enough opportunities for people to access the artform, particularly in rural Somerset where he grew up. Project Dance now operates at the intersection of artistic excellence, social purpose, education and early-career talent development. The EDM is the latest piece of recognition for Project Dance which has received critical acclaim for its productions, been awarded funding from local
councils, charities and philanthropists to promote its outreach work and has been featured on BBC Points West. A review of BUSK in the Fine Times Recorder stated, “One of the most compelling things about BUSK is how damn good the story telling is ……It is no idle compliment to link the names of Bamford and Bourne….”
The EDM particularly commends Bamford’s creation of the Project Dance Charity Foundation which became a registered charity with independent trustees in October 2024 to extend the work of access and inclusion and give that work greater accountability.
Project Dance Charity Foundation provides funding to enable young people and communities to access the arts, including supporting the outreach work of Project Dance.
Project Dance runs free and subsidised workshops for children and young people to participate in dance and experience the benefits of this art form at a time when arts funding in most schools is restricted. It has also collaborated with other charities and raised funds for arts venues to support the future of the creative sector.
(Photography Credit: Studio H Photography)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Project Dance
- Project Dance is formed of three legally independent entities: Project Dance Ltd, Project Dance Enterprises Ltd and Project Dance Charity Foundation. Project Dance Charity Foundation is a registered charity, charity number 1210710.
- Project Dance original narrative dance theatre productions include:
- Things I’ve Never Said. Forthcoming national Tour August 2026 with original score by Charles Harrison.
A compassionate story that shines a light on the secrets and unspoken thoughts we each carry.
- BUSK National Tour 2025. With original score by Charles Harrison.
The lives of a messy and broken family are transformed through encounters with a mysterious and vulnerable travelling musician.
- All That Matters. National Tour 2024
When a young florist dies suddenly her fiancé struggles to move on from his memories of her. This tale invites both tears and joy in memory of those we have loved and lost.
- Growing Pains. National Tour 2023, World Premier 2022.
A refugee navigates growing up in the UK without his family and finds love and friendship through his art.
High Resolution pictures from all shows available on request with some attached to this release
- Patrons of Project Dance are Jenna Lee, Lisa Welham and Joshua Tuifua.
James Bamford
- James is a producer, creative, educator and the Director of Project Dance. As a choreographer, he works across commercial and subsidised projects in dance theatre, contemporary dance, musical theatre, classical ballet, pantomime, corporate events and children’s theatre. He has extensive experience in producing youth and professional productions at a national level, and has mentored performers who have gone on to train at the world’s leading institutions and later achieve careers in the west end, internationally, and across television and film.
- James is a cultural advocate, who works passionately to promote support of grass roots arts provision and funding across cultural, public and political intersects. Most recently, he campaigned energetically to save The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. Additionally, he is a Royal Academy of Dance Project B Ambassador, where he promotes the benefits and value of young men engaging in dance.
- James is very willing to be contacted for comment on any issues relating to: dance, dance theatre, arts education for young people, inclusion and access to the arts. His email and mobile number are below.
- James is also studying for a MA in Dance Producing and Management at London Studio Centre having graduated with a first-class BA (Hons) in Theatre Dance (Classical Ballet) in 2025.
Early Day Motion Text
That this House celebrates the continued success of the Project Dance Charity Foundation, which was founded by James Bamford at just 14 years old, in making performing arts more accessible and inclusive for students of all backgrounds; further congratulates James Bamford on his success in inspiring and motivating young performers; notes the importance of performance in fostering young people’s self-confidence and self-expression; recognises the importance of championing the arts in rural and semi-rural areas such as Yeovil and South Somerset; commends Yeovil Town Council on awarding Project Dance a £2,000 grant to expand access to its programmes across the town; and urges the Government to similarly strengthen its support for local arts services.
*All photography is courtesy of Len Copland, unless otherwise stated.
CONTACT DETAILS AND LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION
PD Director: James Bamford
Mobile: 07772740422
Email: james@projectdance.org.uk
PD Press Officer: James Derrick
Email: press@projectdance.org.uk
PDCF Chair of Trustees: Jacqueline Taylor
Email: jackytaylor08@gmail.com
Links to :
BBC Point West video
Early Day Motion
Project Dance’s Impact video
BUSK Trailer
Photo bank