A CHOREOGRAPHER who first learnt to dance in Abergavenny is back in the town to work alongside the Borough Theatre as a dance buddy.

Joanna Young, 25, got her passion for dancing thanks to Dance Blast in 1998 when the company first worked with the Borough Theatre and still considers Dance Blast choreographer Emma Carlson as her mentor.

Since graduating from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in 2006, Joanna has become a critically acclaimed Welsh based choreographer and performer.

Now Joanna is back in Abergavenny in the hope of raising the profile of contemporary dance in the town by working at the Borough Theatre to organise workshops, activities and liaising with schools.

As a member of Creu Cymru, a development agency for theatres and arts centres in Wales, the Borough Theatre has been able to benefit from the Dance Buddy scheme, which forges relationships between Wales-based dance artists and Creu Cymru members.

Joanna said, "It feels great to be coming back to Abergavenny to perform contemporary dance as it is the completion of a circle, from where is all began."

Manager of the Borough Theatre Nick Banwell added, "We are delighted to be able to support Joanna and be part of the Dance Buddy scheme."

With many projects in the pipeline, Joanna currently features in a Dance Shorts, a ten minute dance performed for free in theatre foyers.

Throughout the summer a short film, Works on Grass, featuring Joanna is being exhibited at The Art Shop's, The Artists in the Garden show.

Collaborating with renowned filmmakers Simon Clode and Marc Heatley, Joanna presents her exquisitely detailed choreography alongside a series of images by photographer Iain Payne.

From July 1 to July 3, she is taking part in The Wales Dance Platform in venues across Cardiff.

As if Joanna's time wasn't limited enough, she is fitting an MA in choreography at The Place's London Contemporary Dance School beginning in September.