“The Light Is Always Lovely Where I Am From” is Molly Finn’s final major project at university. She wanted this project to reflect who I am on a personal level, and show something deeply connected to my experiences and passions. Finn says: ‘Dance has been a huge part of my life since I was three years old, so making it the heart of my final project felt natural and meaningful.’

Through this project, she explores the relationship between her hometown of Doncaster and the arts, with a particular focus on dance, and how it brings positivity and opportunity to our community. It was important to Finn to work alongside some of her closest friends, while also reaching out to individuals who are actively making a difference in their town. This experience has not only deepened my connection to where she is from, but also broadened her understanding of how powerful the arts can be in shaping community identity and spirit.

Finn’s inspiration behind this project was the passion she has for dance and a desire to better understand where she is from. Doncaster is very much a working-class town, with a deep and rich history, particularly its strong connections to the mining industry. She wanted to explore how the arts, and dance specifically, can thrive in a place like this — where resilience, community, and pride run deep.

Fin says: ‘Growing up surrounded by this culture, I’ve seen how creative expression offers people a sense of identity, belonging, and hope. Dance, for me, has always been a way to connect, express, and grow, and I know it has the power to do the same for others in Doncaster.’ This project is my way of honouring the town’s spirit, capturing its often-overlooked creative pulse, and celebrating the role of dance in shaping a brighter, more expressive future for the community.

It’s also a personal reminder that where you come from can be your greatest inspiration, and that creativity can flourish even in the most unexpected places.