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