A soldier from Cwmbran is showcasing his ballet skills in a new dance production about life in the military.
Alex Smith, 22, a former pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw School, serves in the Welsh Cavalry, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards but is now on tour with 5 Soldiers.
The tour is in association with The British Army, this being the second time they officially endorse the work in recognition of how dance can provide insight to soldiers’ lives. Last year The Army put its weight behind 5 Soldiers as it exclusively toured Army barracks, taking audiences into the heart of military life.
See Alex perform in Cardiff
He will be performing in Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre on Tuesday 2 April. Tickets are £16 (£2 off for concessions/ under 25 half price). Tickets available on the theatre’s website.
He said: “I’ve been a soldier in The Army for two and a bit years, and saw Rosie Kay Dance Company’s
livestream of 5 Soldiers last year. A soldier from another regiment shared the video on Facebook and when one of my old teachers tagged me, it spurred me on to contact Rosie and see if there was an opportunity for me to get involved.“I was beyond nervous the morning of the audition, I knew it was likely that I’d be the only soldier. But it ended up being such a fun and enjoyable experience, and when Rosie called me to say I’d got the part, I’ve never been so happy in my life.
“When I first joined The Army I didn’t tell anyone I was a dancer but now they all know me, I’ve never had more support. We are a strong group of friends and when I told them about the show, they were like ‘fair game, go for it’. There are a lot of stereotypes around who can be a dancer and who dance is for, but I think 5 Soldiers and 10 Soldiers present a strong case that actually anyone can enjoy
dance .”
WATCH the trailer of 5 Soldiers
Rosie Kay, choreographer, said: “Working with soldiers over the last ten years has been an incredible and eye-opening experience. Over 8,000 people join the British Army each year yet it’s not a world that many members of the public get to access. Using dance, 5 Soldiers has clearly touched a lot of people with the response from soldiers, veterans and audiences being incredibly positive.
Although I’ve seen the bonds and deep friendships that Army units develop, soldiers can sacrifice so much of themselves to fulfil their job and their duty. Inspired by my own experience of a career-threatening injury, I wanted to tell this story of how soldiers bodies remain essential on the frontline, and the show digs down into the foundations of their commitment to each other, inner strength and dedication in coping with war and recovery.
It’s a story that I hope inspires empathy and a greater understanding of life from a soldier’s perspective.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jo Young (SO1, Engagement) at The British Army,
sa id: “The British Army is delighted to continue its association with this vital and engaging production. 5 Soldiers and 10 Soldiers present audiences with real insight around the themes of inclusivity, core values and soldiering in the 21st Century. It is important that society hasopportunity to engage directly with the Army – its people – as these conversations develop.We are proud of Trooper Alex Smith and his role in bringing the utmost integrity to this production. His participation is a genuine demonstration of how, as an employer, the British Army seeks to develop the talents and potential of each individual in broad-minded and innovative ways.”
