Dancing Coalfields

Marking the 40th anniversary of the end of the British Miners’ Strike, Dancing Coalfields is a dynamic project that brings together students from Outwood Academy Shafton with the rich oral histories and mining heritage of Grimethorpe. This intergenerational project is led by Gary Clarke Company, building on the success of their award-winning dance theatre show COAL.

The project creatively connected students from Outwood Academy Shafton with mining heritage and high quality dance and arts provision. Dance was at the heart of the project, supported by banners and props made by the school’s art group. The Outwood Academy Shafton Brass Band performed “Floral Dance” from COAL, supported by the world famous Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band. National Coal Mining Museum worked in partnership with Gary Clarke Company, Outwood Academy Shafton, The National Union of Mineworkers, and Fusion Barnsley to highlight how the demolition of Grimethorpe Colliery erased visible traces of the area’s industrial past.

Dancing Coalfields culminated in this powerful art exhibition and the Dancing Coalfields film, celebrating the voices and creativity of the community. With fewer physical reminders, it helped reconnect young people with their cultural roots through art and memory. Dancing Coalfields is the vision of award-winning choreographer Gary Clarke, who was born and still lives in Grimethorpe.

Highlights include a film capturing the dance and music performances, alongside artistic pieces crafted by the students.