My name is Naima, and I am 15 years old. My goal is to perform in musical theatre, however, as a young black woman, I am devastated by the complete lack of cultural influence in that sector. That's why IRIE! called out to me, and I am glad it did. When I first heard about IRIE!, I was intrigued, then, once I looked at their website and learnt more about them, I was invested. IRIE! was and still is the only dance company - even the only performing arts company, full stop - so

The way I came into contact with IRIE! Dance theatre was through my work experience placement, which was overwhelmingly positive. I count myself lucky to have been in such a warm environment which celebrates diversity and focuses on being accessible to all. Sadly these factors are often an afterthought for a lot of places, but at IRIE! diversity and accessibility are the focal point for all the work that they produce there. Different cultures are celebrated and appreciated in