In Conversation With: Ciara Clayton

How did your dance journey begin?

My dance journey began when I was just a few years old. I was a very quiet child and often felt nervous or shy in many situations, but dance was always somewhere I felt comfortable and confident.

It became a place where I could express myself without necessarily having to use words, and that idea of using alternative ways of expression is something that has stayed with me ever since.

What or who inspires you within dance?

I am first and foremost inspired by young people and their bravery to put themselves out there in an artistic field. Forming new ways of expression but also developing skills that they can take forward in life, whether that’s in or out of the studio.

I also really enjoy seeing choreographers and creatives trying new things, even if they don’t feel finalised or complete.

What is dance if not a process for finding different ways to express ideas, feelings and concepts, not being limited by having to summarise through words?

What’s the best piece of dance advice someone has given you?

Although it wasn’t specifically about dance, one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given came from my mum when I moved away from home at 18.

She simply told me to “just say yes” to new opportunities.

I’ve carried that advice with me throughout my dance career. It’s encouraged me to embrace experiences that felt unfamiliar or even a little scary, and through that I’ve discovered what I enjoy, what challenges me, and what helps me grow, rather than making assumptions before giving something a chance.

Tell us about your experience working with the company.

What I love most about working with English National Ballet is its commitment to welcoming young people with a genuine passion for dance, regardless of their previous experience or background. There are a range of programmes that make dance accessible, allowing young people to find a place where they belong.

As a young person, I didn’t have access to world-class organisations like English National Ballet, so it feels like a real privilege to now represent one and help create opportunities for others.

I’ve been fortunate to work across a wide range of the company’s programmes, including My First Ballet, Ballet Club, ENBYouthCo-nnect and ENBYouthCo. One of the most rewarding parts of my role has been watching young people progress through these programmes over the years, growing not only as dancers but also as confident, creative individuals.

As the new Creative Director of ENBYouthCo-nnect, what excites you about the upcoming year?

I’m really excited to work with a group of young people who are eager to develop, whether that’s building confidence, improving performance quality, refining technique or exploring their creativity. There’s space for all of those goals within ENBYouthCo-nnect.

I’m also looking forward to exploring English National Ballet repertoire through creative tasks and collaborative processes.

Having previously led the age groups below and above through Ballet Club and ENBYouthCo, it feels like a wonderful opportunity to support dancers aged 13–16.

How would you describe your approach to teaching?

Whether I’m teaching ballet or contemporary, I always aim to explain movement and coordination in ways that feel accessible and understandable for everyone.

Every dancer learns differently, so I enjoy finding different approaches that help each individual connect with the material – knowing me, that usually involves an animal related reference!

I’m heavily influenced by the teachers I had growing up, who always made me feel involved in my own learning and development. They encouraged curiosity, gave me ownership over my progress and created an environment where I felt supported. Those are the same values I try to bring into every class I teach, creating a space where dancers feel encouraged, challenged and valued.

What would you say to someone who feels apprehensive about joining ENBYouthCo-nnect?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about joining something new.

At English National Ballet, we don’t expect everyone to arrive with the same experience, technique or skill set. In fact, we actively welcome dancers with different strengths, interests and individual styles because that range is what makes the group so special.

As Creative Director, my role isn’t to make everyone the same, it’s to help each young person develop in their own way while learning from one another.

Whether your goal is simply to dance because you love it, to build confidence, improve your ballet or contemporary technique, or even discover whether something new is right for you, there’s a place for you at ENBYouthCo-nnect.

Your goals are your own, and you’ll always be encouraged to work at a pace that feels right for you. The hardest part is often walking through the door for the first time, but it could be the start of something you really love.