In this episode of Dancing Class, choreographer Gary Clarke shares his journey from growing up in the mining village of Grimethorpe to founding his own dance company.

Gary reflects on childhood memories of the miners’ strike, discovering movement through rave culture and baton twirling, and the teachers who helped him along the way. He shares stories of training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, performing with Lea Anderson, and creating politically charged works like Coal and Wasteland.

The conversation explores resilience, class, creativity, and how dance can tell working-class stories.

  • Gary Clarke

    Choreographer & Artistic Director of Gary Clarke Company

  • Dr Rachel Krische

    Performer & Academic Researcher

  • Dr Laura Griffiths

    Senior Lecturer in Dance

Digital Event

World Premiere

Venue: Online

  • Admission: Listen with Digital Pass (Pay What You Can from £5), which gives you access to DU’s entire digital programme!
  • Duration: 110 minutes
  • Access: Captioned

Content: Reference to drug use

Dance Umbrella Festival 2025 Across London & Online
2 - 31 October


Credits +

Date of recording: 28 March 2025

  • Charlotte Ryan
    Sound Recordist
  • Xavier Ridyard
    Editing
  • Isaiah Ibitoye
    Editing
  • Dr Jess Blaise Ward
    Audio Accompaniment
  • Michael Ward
    Audio Accompaniment Mastering
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