RTLA: Wesley James

Neighbourhood Dance Works is honored to administer the Roberta Thomas Legacy Award. The Award was established by Roberta (Robbie) Thomas' family in 2012 as a way to continue her infectious human spirit by supporting development and presentation in the field of dance and dance collaboration.

The Roberta Thomas Legacy Award (RTLA) is awarded annually to a dance practitioner or an artist in any discipline collaborating with a dance practitioner. The funds can be used for professional development, aspects of creation, or final production.

2025's RTLA is going to Wesley James.

"I am Wesley Aubynn, a 23-year-old Ghanaian-born artist currently based in Newfoundland. My journey in the arts is shaped by a lifelong passion for self-expression through movement, a tradition rooted deeply in my upbringing and identity. Dance has always been my language and an outlet for connection, emotion, and storytelling that has helped me find and build community.

Since moving to Newfoundland, I’ve sought ways to bridge my own heritage and experiences with the vibrant, but often underrepresented, cultures of my new home. Ballroom and voguing have a rich legacy of platforming diverse identities, celebrating self-expression and resilience, and have inspired me deeply. I am drawn to how ballroom provides a space of freedom, creativity, and daring self-affirmation. These are qualities that I hope to cultivate and share as I grow in my artistic practice.

My goal is to expand my dance practice by deepening my understanding of ballroom culture and sharing that art with my community members. I am motivated by both personal growth and the broader impact: to create inclusive spaces where queer and Black artists can thrive, and to build new connections in the dance world through mentorship and collaboration.

Ultimately, my work is about inviting others, especially those who have not always seen themselves reflected in dance spaces, to celebrate their identities with courage and creativity."