onYon

onYon: 2026 Inaugural Production Overview

onYon is the inaugural contemporary dance production from a new Cornish creative alliance. Using the historic "Onion Johnnies" trade between Brittany and Great Britain as a springboard, the piece explores themes of movement, cultural exchange, and human connection.

Leadership & Partners

Creative Leadership
* Gocha (Maria Mendible): Lead Choreographer & Contemporary Dance Practitioner
* Julie Felix MBE: Legendary Ballet Icon & Britain’s first Black professional ballerina
* Rachel Bond: Dance Practitioner and Director, Bond Dance Company

Community & Educational Partners
* Sheila Brock: Director, Sheila’s School of Dancing
* Sam Day: Head of Performance, Looe Community Academy

Artist Training & Guest Educators

Following local auditions, a newly formed company of young local dancers will undergo six elite masterclasses led by:

* Julie Felix, MBE
* Hannah Dilworth: Contemporary dancer/choreographer (Trinity Laban alumnus)
* Izzy Gillespie: Dance artist & founder of the South West Artist Project (Trinity Laban alumnus)
* Sam Day: Head of Performance, Looe Community Academy

Production Timeline:

* Phase 1: Masterclass Series
Dancers complete six intensive masterclasses with guest educators to build technique and skills.

* Phase 2: Creative Intensive
A dedicated week-long workshop alongside Gocha and partners, where young dancers co-create the final choreography.

* Phase 3: Public Performances
Staged across both professional venues and open public spaces in Looe to ensure local accessibility.

An Invitation to an International Cultural Exchange with out twin town.

Coinciding with the 50th Twinning Anniversary between Looe and Quiberon (Brittany), the final performance will be filmed and presented as a formal artistic invitation to French dancers and creators, setting up an international on-stage collaboration for next year's annual production.