S2 E4 On Work Culture: A conversation with Theo Clinkard

What does it take to create actual healthy workspaces in dance — not just the ones we talk about? In this episode, I speak with Theo Clinkard — choreographer, teacher, designer, and longtime advocate for respectful creative processes.We explore what happens when dancers are treated as collaborators rather than vessels, how fear shows up in the studio (in both subtle and obvious ways), and what it really means to lead from a place of clarity without collapsing into people-pleasing.Theo reflects on his journey from dancing in major UK companies to rethinking leadership and ethics in his own practice — from calling out outdated norms to sharing the mistakes and tensions of trying to do better. We also touch on the responsibility of funders and programmers, the pressure to produce “more of the same,” and what a slower, more intentional pace might make possible.This isn’t a conversation full of soundbites — it’s a generous, layered exploration of the systems we’re in and how we might shift them together.00:00 – Theo joins the podcast and reflects on challenging outdated practices early in his career.02:39 – We unpack the harm in seeing dancers as “instruments” and why dancer agency matters.06:40 – Theo shares experiences of toxic work culture and asks why we still tolerate it.12:50 – What does a truly healthy creative space look like — and how can we make one?25:09 – How can choreographers be better supported? What does a sustainable practice look like?30:08 – The pressure of being “a singular vision” and how it affects collaboration.33:24 – Who holds power in the sector? Theo shares thoughts on funders, programmers, and responsibility.40:22 – What happens when care and feedback are built into the process from the beginning?49:31 – The crossover between teaching and choreographing — and how they inform each other.56:50 – Final reflections on rest, ambition, identity, and staying open as an artist.🎧 Resources Mentioned in This Episode"As Technique" – Article by Theo ClinkardDownload hereBook: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanView on Goodreads Book: The Ignorant Schoolmaster: Five Lessons in Intellectual Emancipation by Jacques RancièreLearn more on publisher siteInterested in the leadership for teachers course? Subscribe to our newsletter to know when bookings open in early September