EMOTION: Reflections from Imariabe Ikponwosa

Hi, my name is Imariabe Ikponwosa and I am 15 years old. Coming from a musical family, creativity has always played a big role in my life. Most mornings, I’d wake up to the sound of music drifting through the house – anything from afrobeats, soul or even live concert soundtracks – always coming from the living room where my parents would be dancing around, pretending to be in a live audience. They called it “morning motivation”, and while I used to roll my eyes at it, I’ve grown to love those moments. Growing up in that kind of environment taught me to appreciate how powerful expression can be, whether it’s through music, words or movement.

That’s why being part of the EMOTION project at Siobhan Davies studios has been such an unforgettable experience. It showed me how much we can communicate without speaking – how a simple gesture or shift in body language can hold so much power and meaning. I’ve learned a lot about how I process emotions and how others do too. But what made the experience truly special were the people. Everyone was so welcoming, kind and open. I never felt judged or out of place, despite how outside-my-comfort-zone I was. The energy they brought, the support they gave and the way we all connected made me feel part of something meaningful and inspiring. From Annie and Juan’s captivating and grounding presence to Sasha’s groovy “shakarena” and Moyra’s tai chi sequence, I learned what its like to truly be around and uplifted by a community of flawlessly unique individuals.

Ultimately, this experience has left a lasting impression on me and has reminded me how powerful it is to be in a space where people truly lift each other up. I didn’t just grow as a performer, but as a person. I discovered new things about myself and found confidence in being vulnerable. It’s an experience I’ll always be grateful for, and one that’s shaped how I understand connection, creativity, and the kind of energy I want to bring into the world.