Meet our Kickstart Team - Clea Godsill

Tell us about your dance journey before joining the Kickstart programme

I started ballet at the age of 4 at King Slocombe School of Dance, Cambridge, where I discovered my love for movement and performance. Whilst there I particularly enjoyed tap dance, a form that still brings me much joy. I completed my professional training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, where my interest in contemporary dance blossomed. In 2018-19, I danced as an Apprentice for Theater St Gallen, Switzerland, alongside undertaking a Master's degree though London Contemporary Dance School. Since graduating in 2020, I have worked with visual artist Clio Lloyd-Jacobs (Joint Passage, 2020); Instigate Unknown dance company (Building in Isolation film, 2020-21); and Frankly Speaking Productions on 2 dance theatre works for outdoor venues (The Snow Queen, 2020 and Tom's Midnight Garden, 2021).

How would you describe your dance practice?

I would describe my dance practice as contemporary movement strongly influenced by storytelling and emotional drive. Choreographically I am interested in exploring the surreal and supernatural, combining different dance styles and artistic disciplines to articulate what needs to be said.

What about the Kickstart programme are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to working with the other dance artists on the programme and having the chance to experiment with different creative processes; there is a lot of talent in the room and I can't wait to see what we can create together. 

Why do you love to dance?

I love to dance because it makes me feel like anything is possible. Through dance I can escape into other worlds, whilst simultaneously being engaged right in the present moment. It also allows me to connect with other people more fully, which I find very important. 

You can find out more about the Government Kickstart Scheme and what our wonderful group of dance artists will be getting up to over the next six months here.