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In this episode of Dancing Class, dance artist Ella Tighe reflects on her journey from the disco freestyle competitions of working men's clubs in Bradford to contemporary dance training, international study, and creating her acclaimed solo work Disco Queen. Ella explores the deep roots of disco freestyle in working-class communities, and the confidence, discipline, and cultural value it instilled in her from a young age. The conversation traces Ella's experiences of class, belonging, and higher education, revealing how she initially distanced herself from her freestyle background in order to fit into contemporary dance spaces, before ultimately returning to it as a source of artistic identity and pride. Key themes include cultural capital, mobility, shame, aspiration, and the challenges of navigating different social and artistic worlds. Ella's episode is a powerful discussion about reclaiming what shaped us, challenging assumptions about working-class culture, and advocating for dance forms that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Date Recorded: 27th February 2026 Sound Recordist: Cody Mellor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

Join Tanya Arnold for a special episode of Carnegie Conversations, recorded in front of a live audience at the Carnegie Sport Nutrition Symposium in collaboration with British Dietetic Association Sport Nutrition Group. Tanya speaks to Sir Kevin Sinfield CBE, performance nutritionist James Moran and Professor Ben Jones about the 7 in 7 challenges and the team behind them. Kevin shares how a promise to his friend Rob Burrow became a series of fundraising challenges for the motor neurone disease community. Together, they explore the food, sleep and support that keep the team going, the moments that have stayed with them and their preparations for challenge number seven. Listen now to hear their stories. Or you can watch the conversation here: https://youtu.be/3c3lgY0SVOE

In this episode of Dancing Class, Dr Karen Wood reflects on her journey from a working-class upbringing in Birmingham to becoming a dance academic, researcher, and advocate for freelance dance artists. Raised by a typist and a lift engineer, Karen traces her lifelong relationship with dance, from childhood tap, disco competitions, and homemade costumes to working at Sainsbury’s by day and raving by night before eventually finding her way into higher education. Karen discusses being the first in her family to attend university, the challenges of navigating academia as a working-class woman, and the imposter syndrome that has accompanied her career. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of mentors, community, and collective action, as well as the role dance has played as a source of joy, belonging, resilience, and social mobility. Drawing on her research into the working conditions of freelance dancers, Karen argues for greater recognition of dance workers’ skills and value, while reflecting on how class continues to shape opportunities, identities, and experiences within the arts. This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about persistence, connection, and the transformative power of dance. Date Recorded: 21st April 2026 Sound Recordist: Cody Mellor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor & Cody Mellor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In the second episode of Bridges Not Barriers, Helen Linsell reflects on the early stages of her career after graduating from Laban and the experiences that led her to Dance United Yorkshire. Helen shares how her work with young people from working-class communities and challenging backgrounds revealed the transformative potential of dance when delivered with high expectations, strong boundaries and genuine respect. A pivotal experience working with a group of young male hip-hop dancers taught her the importance of recognising participants’ existing cultural knowledge and positioning dance as a collaborative process rather than imposing established artistic hierarchies. The conversation also explores class, funding inequalities, access to cultural spaces, and the value of community-based dance practice. Drawing on nearly two decades with Dance United Yorkshire, Helen argues that dance can help people who feel excluded, overlooked or “written off” by society develop confidence, belonging and a sense of value.

In this episode of The Dancing Class Podcast, dance artist and former performer Junior Cunningham reflects on his journey from a working-class upbringing in Birmingham to a long and successful career in dance. He discusses how dance became a turning point in his life after a difficult experience of school, the influence of mentors and family support, and his training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Junior explores how dance expanded his horizons, providing opportunities to travel, develop new skills, and build a career with Motionhouse and beyond. He also reflects candidly on class, race, social mobility, and the precarity of working in the arts today. Throughout the conversation, he argues for the value of arts education and the transformative power of dance in opening up possibilities for young people from working-class backgrounds.

In the first of two episodes with Helen Linsell, Artistic Director of Dance United Yorkshire, she discusses her work using dance as a catalyst for change with people facing social exclusion, including those in prison, recovery from addiction, and other challenging circumstances. She reflects on her upbringing in south-east London, the influence of her mother in nurturing her interest in the arts, and how youth theatre provided a sense of belonging and confidence during adolescence. Helen describes her unexpected journey into contemporary dance through studying Theatre Studies at Lancaster University, where a lecturer introduced her to physical theatre and dance practices that ultimately shaped her career. The conversation explores the transformative potential of arts education, the importance of access and opportunity, and how dance can build confidence, resilience and community. Throughout, Helen highlights the power of setting high expectations, arguing that creating bridges rather than barriers can enable people to achieve more than they ever imagined possible.

In this episode, Aletta Collins OBE reflects on her journey from a self-described working-class upbringing to becoming one of the UK's most celebrated choreographers and directors. From discovering contemporary dance by chance in a summer school class to working across dance, opera, theatre and film, Aletta discusses class, creativity, opportunity, and the resilience needed to sustain a life in the arts. She reflects on how dance opened doors while shaping her understanding of community, opportunity and belonging and shares candid insights into artistic ambition, financial precarity and mentorship. Aletta champions dance as a vehice for creating connection, confidence and social mobility Sound Recordist: Dr Laura Taylor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

Join Tanya Arnold for a very special episode celebrating the remarkable people inducted into the Leeds Beckett University Sport Hall of Fame. More than 20 alumni were inducted in June 2026, recognising their outstanding achievements and lasting impact on sport and society. Tanya speaks to Sir Kevin Sinfield CBE, Natalie Metcalf, Jamie Peacock MBE, Stuart Lancaster, Alexandra Bell and Ali Jawad about their careers, defining moments and the people and experiences that inspired them along the way. Listen now to hear their stories. Or you can watch the conversations here: https://youtu.be/Ypx6cUue7BE

In this episode of the Dancing Class Podcast, dance artist, choreographer and cabaret performer Josh Haigh discuses growing up in Rochdale, discovering dance through GCSE Dance, and navigating a creative career as a working-class queer artist. From finding safety and belonging in dance education after coming out as gay, to developing a distinctive artistic practice rooted in class, identity and performance, Josh reflects on the experiences that have shaped both his work and worldview. The conversation explores perceptions of poverty, access to higher education, and the transformative role of dance as a vehicle for confidence and self-expression. Josh discusses his acclaimed student work Scum, which examined representations of working-class identity, and his ongoing involvement with the Leeds-based drag cabaret collective Glamour P***y, where performance, humour and community come together in a distinctly northern and proud celebration of queer culture. Date Recorded: 6th July 2026 Sound Recordist: Dr Laura Taylor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward https://oldwoollen.seetickets.com/event/glamour-p***y/the-old-woollen/3674897

In this episode of the Dancing Class podcast, choreographer and performer Keira Martin reflects on how her working-class upbringing in Barnsley, Irish heritage, and immersion in traditional dance have shaped her identity and career. Keira reflects on the power of dance as a space for belonging, self-expression, and social mobility, while sharing her experiences of navigating the arts as a working-class woman. The conversation explores class, culture, education, imposter syndrome, and the importance of representing overlooked stories and communities through dance. Ultimately, Keira celebrates dance as a force for empowerment, connection, and change. Image Credit: Sean O’Connel Date Recorded: 21st November 2025 Sound Recordist: Cody Mellor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

Tanya Richam Odoi reflects on her journey from a working-class childhood in Dundee to a successful career as a dancer, teacher, and craniosacral therapist. She describes how a chance encounter with community dance at Dundee Rep transformed her life, providing a sense of belonging, purpose, and opportunity during a challenging family period. The conversation explores dance as a vehicle for confidence, social mobility, and self-discovery, taking Tanya from local community projects to Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Phoenix Dance Theatre, and DV8. She also discusses class, identity, imposter syndrome, and the importance of accessible arts provision for young people. Passionate and candid, Tanya argues that dance can change lives, build community, and offer opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Date Recorded: 27th March 2025 Sound Recordist: Igor Mieczkowski Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this episode, Karen reflects on her career in dance, leadership, and cultural advocacy. She shares stories of family pride, professional recognition, and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, while considering the impact of her work across the Liverpool cultural sector. The conversation explores issues of inequality, community, and the idea of "levelling up," with Karen arguing for approaches that celebrate local identity and strengths rather than suggesting communities need fixing. She highlights the vital role of arts and culture in bringing people together, fostering empathy, and creating spaces for dialogue and connection. Karen also reflects on how experiences of race, class, and belonging have shaped her personal and professional journey. She discusses her commitment to increasing representation in the dance sector and supporting African and Caribbean artists, emphasising the importance of community, inclusion, and shared humanity throughout her work. Sound Recordist: Dr Laura Taylor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this Dancing Class episode, Laura and Rachel host Farooq Chaudhry, who reflects on his journey from childhood in Pakistan to a career in UK dance, earning him an OBE. Farooq explains how he navigated poverty, racism, and the transformative power of education and art. He recalls being inspired by Namron and later supporting a young Akram Khan, taking bold risks to help launch his early works. He explains how his more recent projects confront barriers of representation and identity in the arts. The conversation explores resilience, vision, and creating space for all in dance. Content Guidance: Light reference to abuse, crime Date Recorded: 17th June 2025Sound Recordist: Dr Laura TaylorEditing: Amelie ThomasAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

Inspired by David Bowie and raised in Walthamstow by Irish parents, Brendan Keaney’s journey into dance was anything but predictable. Keaney’s career took off in Wales with Jumpers (later NDCW) then led him to Ludus Dance, where he began developing educational strategies he describes as offering the kind of 'thinking time' many people associate with university. He describes how strong mentorship throughout his career within the Arts Council England, Greenwich Dance and at Dance East deepened his understanding of leadership in the sector. He praises these organisations as vital hubs for artistic growth and highlights the profound loss caused by closing schemes such as the CAT for young people who might never otherwise find their way into dance. Date Recorded: 3rd July 2025 Sound Recordist: Dr Laura Taylor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this episode of Dancing Class, Laura and Rachel invite artist and researcher Kate Marsh to discuss her journey from growing up in Peterborough to becoming a dance professional and academic. Kate reflects on childhood encounters with movement, the impact of supportive teachers, and how class, disability, and identity continue to inform her relationship with dance. Kate discusses key mentors in her career, barriers to access, and the role of confidence and community in navigating dance and academia. The conversation highlights dance as both precarious a catalyst for empowerment and social mobility. Date recorded: 21st February 2025Sound Recordists: Dr Laura Taylor, Charlotte Ryan, Igor MieczkowskiEditing: Dr Laura Taylor/Amelie ThomasAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward