Gary Clarke is best known as one of the leading lights in the world of UK contemporary dance, and has been described by The Times as, quite simply, “Outstanding”.

Born in Barnsley and trained at the Electric Theatre Studios and The Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Gary Clarke graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Performing Arts Dance Degree and has since become renowned as a choreographer, director, performer, mentor, and facilitator, with a special aptitude for masterminding theatrical dance productions.

Horsemeat, courtesy of Gary Clarke

Gary Clarke’s Choreography

As a choreographer, Gary Clarke has created acclaimed performances that include:

• Parade (2004)
• Horsemeat (2006)
• 2 Men & a Michael (2010)
• Bagofti (2011)
• Ménage a Trois (2012)
• The Deep (2013)
• COAL (2016)
• Hansel and Gretel (2017)
• Into the Light (2017)
• Beethoven (2017)
• The Troth (2018)

Making his name with small-scale touring work, it was COAL that marked Gary’s first foray into creating a full-length mid-scale tour, and this immediately successful work went on to sell out audiences in venues across the UK and Germany (including performances here at The Grand!). Inspired by the 30th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike, COAL explored the brutally physical nature of life at the coal face via a dance show described as “emotional dynamite”.

Did You Know?

Gary Clarke was the inaugural recipient of the Brian Glover Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in Performing Arts and Dance.

COAL, Courtesy of Gary Clarke

Gary Clarke’s Awards

• UK Theatre Award for Achievement in Dance (for COAL)
• A Critics Circle National Dance Award for Best Independent Company (for COAL)
• The Herald Angel Award (for The Troth)
• The Summerhall Lustrum Award (for The Troth)
• Artist Development Award from Danceworks UK
• Honorary Fellow at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance
• The Gary Clarke Dance Award
  
• Personally acknowledged by HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts.

Gary Clarke’s Other Works

As well as his own work, Gary Clarke has been regularly commissioned by other artists and organisations like theatre companies, youth companies, and universities to create quality productions. Some of this work also falls into the education and outreach sector and has earned Clarke a sterling reputation as a teacher and speaker, covering advanced techniques for contemporary dance, creative investigation, and mock audition processes too.

Examples of Gary’s returning roles as a guest teacher take him to establishments including:

• The Northern School of Contemporary Dance
• Greenwich Dance Agency
• The Place
• Dance4

Gary also performs alongside many other famous dance companies and choreographers who operate in the UK. He spent 10 years with Lea Anderson’s The Cholmondeleys & The Featherstonehaughs, and you can even spot him in Maximo Park’s Brain Cells music video!

COAL, Courtesy of Gary Clarke

Did You Know?

Whilst you may know Gary Clarke predominantly for his outstanding dance works, he’s also been a movement artist on various blockbusters such as World War Z, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and the 2017 reboot of The Mummy.

For More Information:

• Visit Gary Clarke’s website
• The COAL website
• See Theatrical Dance Shows at Blackpool Grand