Happiness- it has seemed elusive at times, a rare beast that slips between appearing untouchable- a dream- and seeming almost within reach. Whilst “Where’s the happiness?” is a question difficult to most, for the girls at Pro-West Dance Company, the subject is not so elusive. It is glaringly apparent that happiness, for these performers, is dancing.

Emma Western founded the Pro-West Dance Company in 2021, vowing to create a group where performance is not limited to a singular genre. Western has worked tirelessly to ensure each performer gets the acceptance and attention not always provided in traditional dance companies, firmly believing that anyone can achieve greatness. In “Where's the happiness?”, these principles are put into practise. Anyone can see, just from the pure look of joy on the faces of this troupe, that they are in a community where support and acceptance is first and foremost.

The show itself is comprised of three sections: Work, money, and love. Each segment differs stylistically, exploring a range of emotions and feelings within differing genres. This is not amateur hour- the dances are performed effortlessly, each movement executed with ease and elegance. Each member of the audience remained captivated throughout the whole 45- minute performance, unable to look away from the unfolding narrative of movement.

“Where's the happiness?” asks the audience to question where we find our own happiness, where we find moments of joy and love within our 9-5’s and monotonous routines. The point of performance is to stimulate thought- to force us to ask ourselves these questions and wonder whether we are doing all we can to be happy.

Whether you simply enjoy watching sensational pieces of art, or enjoy performances that might make you question what is important in your own life, “Where’s the happiness?” is the show for you.