LE FIL, MATTHEW DAW & DALE JAMES
Matthew Daw, 27, and Dale James, 25, have been pop artist Le Fil’s dancers since the start of his career in 2015, pushing boundaries — and each other
How do you describe your work?
LF: Most of my work is writing pop music, doing pop performances. I never want to do a normal concert. It’s always something with a narrative or something that’s tied in. I wrapped Matthew in cling film two years ago for a video. What are you most proud of about one another?
M: The fearlessness of Le Fil’s performance has inspired me to be more expressive with my performance, gender and fashion. It’s brought out the fearlessness in me.
D: The work ethic of Fil. He runs everything, and still manages to perform an amazing
piece in the evening.
LF: Of how we have grown in terms of developing our skills, in confidence in terms of gender and expressing ourselves, and in body confidence.
What does Pride mean to you?
LF: I love Pride. And Pride is a thing which should be every day; we should be taking that energy, that respect for yourself, to show and influence people every day. In other countries, Pride is not visible; we have to set an example and be a shining beacon to show everyone else that who you are is OK. Visibility is important and empowering for the younger generations.
M: When I was a teenager, Pride kind
of terrified me because it forces you to confront everything you’re not yet comfortable with. But I went to my first Pride in my first year at university and it was liberating to have the feeling: “these are my people.” What advice would you give to your younger self?
LF: Continue to listen to your inner self, and don’t let society affect how you think because society changes whereas your belief in yourself will be constant. And don’t shave between your eyebrows with a razor!
M: Never be ashamed of who you are, and never let anyone else try to tell you who you are.
D: Be proud of who you are, and love whoever you want. Le Fil performs at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on 19 July as part of Raze Collective. southbankcentre. co. uk