Project Dance is a Somerset-based dance organisation operating at the intersection of artistic excellence, social purpose, education, and early-career talent development. Led by James Bamford, who founded Project Dance 8 years ago when he was 14, the organisation creates and tours emotionally accessible dance theatre, underpinned by a clear commitment to access, youth voice and the long-term sustainability of dance careers.

James is a producer, choreographer, educator and the Director of Project Dance. He has conceived 3 feature length touring works: Growing Pains, All That Matters and BUSK, and has so far curated 8 years of ambitious community, youth and professional programming for the organisation, as well as having founded the Project Dance Charity Foundation. 

As a creative, James works across commercial and subsidised projects in musical theatre, pantomime, contemporary dance, classical ballet, corporate events and children’s theatre. He has a deep passion for mentoring young artists, supporting them as they pursue professional education and later as they embark into the professional sector. 

James graduated from London Studio Centre with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Theatre Dance (Classical Ballet) and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Dance Producing and Management.

Originally premiered in 2025, BUSK is a soulful, gritty and toe-tapping narrative dance theatre production which tells a story of hope, redemption, and the unbound power of music.

Anchored by a folk-inspired original score by Charles Harrison, the show is set at the Fox and The Fiddle pub, where laughter and heartache in equal measure live within the walls of the establishment and the hearts of its visitors.

Inspired by classical, contemporary and hip hop forms, BUSK’s movement language is distinct and uniquely characterised by dancers performing with violins, where bodies communicate what words cannot, and collide with the harmonies, clashes and crescendos of life.

❝ One of the most compelling things about BUSK is how damn good the story-telling is ❞

❝ Busk is about flawed, but good people doing their best, and it is most certainly about the boundless power of music  ❞

During the premiere tour, BUSK achieved 60 – 75% occupancy, with over 1250 tickets sold across four venues 

Confirmed Venues:

Map Key

Black markers are for venues, blue markers are for venues with local cast and white markers are for workshops.

Utilising Project Dance’s vast experience in social engagement, the BUSK Tour’s development activity offers more than one-time novelty; aiming to have a lasting impact on the particpants it reaches. Career development signposting, performance opportunities and free access to live performance are embedded. Confirmed Engagement Activities: