Beckett Talks

In the second episode of Bridges Not Barriers, Helen Linsell reflects on the early stages of her career after graduating from Laban and the experiences that led her to Dance United Yorkshire. Helen shares how her work with young people from working-class communities and challenging backgrounds revealed the transformative potential of dance when delivered with high expectations, strong boundaries and genuine respect. A pivotal experience working with a group of young male hip-hop dancers taught her the importance of recognising participants’ existing cultural knowledge and positioning dance as a collaborative process rather than imposing established artistic hierarchies.The conversation also explores class, funding inequalities, access to cultural spaces, and the value of community-based dance practice. Drawing on nearly two decades with Dance United Yorkshire, Helen argues that dance can help people who feel excluded, overlooked or “written off” by society develop confidence, belonging and a sense of value.

In the first of two episodes with Helen Linsell, Artistic Director of Dance United Yorkshire, she discusses her work using dance as a catalyst for change with people facing social exclusion, including those in prison, recovery from addiction, and other challenging circumstances. She reflects on her upbringing in south-east London, the influence of her mother in nurturing her interest in the arts, and how youth theatre provided a sense of belonging and confidence during adolescence.Helen describes her unexpected journey into contemporary dance through studying Theatre Studies at Lancaster University, where a lecturer introduced her to physical theatre and dance practices that ultimately shaped her career. The conversation explores the transformative potential of arts education, the importance of access and opportunity, and how dance can build confidence, resilience and community. Throughout, Helen highlights the power of setting high expectations, arguing that creating bridges rather than barriers can enable people to achieve more than they ever imagined possible.

In this episode of The Dancing Class Podcast, dance artist and former performer Junior Cunningham reflects on his journey from a working-class upbringing in Birmingham to a long and successful career in dance. He discusses how dance became a turning point in his life after a difficult experience of school, the influence of mentors and family support, and his training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance.Junior explores how dance expanded his horizons, providing opportunities to travel, develop new skills, and build a career with Motionhouse and beyond. He also reflects candidly on class, race, social mobility, and the precarity of working in the arts today. Throughout the conversation, he argues for the value of arts education and the transformative power of dance in opening up possibilities for young people from working-class backgrounds.

In this episode, Aletta Collins OBE reflects on her journey from a self-described working-class upbringing to becoming one of the UK's most celebrated choreographers and directors. From discovering contemporary dance by chance in a summer school class to working across dance, opera, theatre and film, Aletta discusses class, creativity, opportunity, and the resilience needed to sustain a life in the arts. She reflects on how dance opened doors while shaping her understanding of community, opportunity and belonging and shares candid insights into artistic ambition, financial precarity and mentorship. Aletta champions dance as a vehice for creating connection, confidence and social mobilitySound Recordist: Dr Laura Taylor Editing: Dr Laura Taylor Audio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise Ward Audio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

Join Tanya Arnold for a very special episode celebrating the remarkable people inducted into the Leeds Beckett University Sport Hall of Fame.More than 20 alumni were inducted in June 2026, recognising their outstanding achievements and lasting impact on sport and society.Tanya speaks to Sir Kevin Sinfield CBE, Natalie Metcalf, Jamie Peacock MBE, Stuart Lancaster, Alexandra Bell and Ali Jawad about their careers, defining moments and the people and experiences that inspired them along the way.Listen now to hear their stories.Or you can watch the conversations here: https://youtu.be/Ypx6cUue7BE

In this episode of the Dancing Class Podcast, dance artist, choreographer and cabaret performer Josh Haigh discuses growing up in Rochdale, discovering dance through GCSE Dance, and navigating a creative career as a working-class queer artist. From finding safety and belonging in dance education after coming out as gay, to developing a distinctive artistic practice rooted in class, identity and performance, Josh reflects on the experiences that have shaped both his work and worldview.The conversation explores perceptions of poverty, access to higher education, and the transformative role of dance as a vehicle for confidence and self-expression. Josh discusses his acclaimed student work Scum, which examined representations of working-class identity, and his ongoing involvement with the Leeds-based drag cabaret collective Glamour Pussy, where performance, humour and community come together in a distinctly northern and proud celebration of queer culture.Date Recorded: 6th July 2026Sound Recordist: Dr Laura TaylorEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Wardhttps://oldwoollen.seetickets.com/event/glamour-pussy/the-old-woollen/3674897

In this episode of the Dancing Class podcast, choreographer and performer Keira Martin reflects on how her working-class upbringing in Barnsley, Irish heritage, and immersion in traditional dance have shaped her identity and career. Keira reflects on the power of dance as a space for belonging, self-expression, and social mobility, while sharing her experiences of navigating the arts as a working-class woman. The conversation explores class, culture, education, imposter syndrome, and the importance of representing overlooked stories and communities through dance. Ultimately, Keira celebrates dance as a force for empowerment, connection, and change.Image Credit: Sean O’ConnelDate Recorded: 21st November 2025Sound Recordist: Cody MellorEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

Tanya Richam Odoi reflects on her journey from a working-class childhood in Dundee to a successful career as a dancer, teacher, and craniosacral therapist. She describes how a chance encounter with community dance at Dundee Rep transformed her life, providing a sense of belonging, purpose, and opportunity during a challenging family period.The conversation explores dance as a vehicle for confidence, social mobility, and self-discovery, taking Tanya from local community projects to Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Phoenix Dance Theatre, and DV8. She also discusses class, identity, imposter syndrome, and the importance of accessible arts provision for young people. Passionate and candid, Tanya argues that dance can change lives, build community, and offer opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.Date Recorded: 27th March 2025Sound Recordist: Igor MieczkowskiEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this episode, Karen reflects on her career in dance, leadership, and cultural advocacy. She shares stories of family pride, professional recognition, and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, while considering the impact of her work across the Liverpool cultural sector.The conversation explores issues of inequality, community, and the idea of "levelling up," with Karen arguing for approaches that celebrate local identity and strengths rather than suggesting communities need fixing. She highlights the vital role of arts and culture in bringing people together, fostering empathy, and creating spaces for dialogue and connection.Karen also reflects on how experiences of race, class, and belonging have shaped her personal and professional journey. She discusses her commitment to increasing representation in the dance sector and supporting African and Caribbean artists, emphasising the importance of community, inclusion, and shared humanity throughout her work.Sound Recordist: Dr Laura TaylorEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

Inspired by David Bowie and raised in Walthamstow by Irish parents, Brendan Keaney’s journey into dance was anything but predictable. Keaney’s career took off in Wales with Jumpers (later NDCW) then led him to Ludus Dance, where he began developing educational strategies he describes as offering the kind of 'thinking time' many people associate with university. He describes how strong mentorship throughout his career within the Arts Council England, Greenwich Dance and at Dance East deepened his understanding of leadership in the sector. He praises these organisations as vital hubs for artistic growth and highlights the profound loss caused by closing schemes such as the CAT for young people who might never otherwise find their way into dance.Date Recorded: 3rd July 2025Sound Recordist: Dr Laura TaylorEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this Dancing Class episode, Laura and Rachel host Farooq Chaudhry, who reflects on his journey from childhood in Pakistan to a career in UK dance, earning him an OBE. Farooq explains how he navigated poverty, racism, and the transformative power of education and art. He recalls being inspired by Namron and later supporting a young Akram Khan, taking bold risks to help launch his early works. He explains how his more recent projects confront barriers of representation and identity in the arts. The conversation explores resilience, vision, and creating space for all in dance.Content Guidance: Light reference to abuse, crimeDate Recorded: 17th June 2025Sound Recordist: Dr Laura TaylorEditing: Amelie ThomasAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this episode of Dancing Class, Laura and Rachel invite artist and researcher Kate Marsh to discuss her journey from growing up in Peterborough to becoming a dance professional and academic. Kate reflects on childhood encounters with movement, the impact of supportive teachers, and how class, disability, and identity continue to inform her relationship with dance. Kate discusses key mentors in her career, barriers to access, and the role of confidence and community in navigating dance and academia. The conversation highlights dance as both precarious a catalyst for empowerment and social mobility.Date recorded: 21st February 2025Sound Recordists: Dr Laura Taylor, Charlotte Ryan, Igor MieczkowskiEditing: Dr Laura Taylor/Amelie ThomasAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this episode of Dancing Class, pioneering hip hop artist Jonzi D shares how growing up in a creative family and discovering hip hop shaped his identity and ambitions. From early school performances to training at The Place, he reflects on navigating class and cultural barriers within the world of contemporary dance to carve his own path.Jonzi recounts the creation of groundbreaking works like Aeroplane Man and Lyrical Theatre, which fused rap, poetry and movement, giving voice to political and social realities often absent from mainstream stages. He also discusses founding Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells, an international festival that redefined how hip hop is seen in theatre and challenged entrenched notions of “high” and “low” art, Jonzi speaks about identity, community, race, and the limitless potential he found in hip hop culture.Content Guidance: Light reference to drug useRecorded: 1st October 2025Sound Recordist: Dr Laura TaylorEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this Dancing Class podcast episode, Martin Hargreaves reflects on his journey from a working-class upbringing in Wallasey near Liverpool to becoming Head of the Rose Choreographic School at Sadler’s Wells. Raised in a family with little direct connection to the arts, his early exposure to dance came indirectly through his sister’s ballet classes and films like West Side Story. He discusses how dance shaped his sense of identity and confidence as a queer teenager, and how it has remained central to his life through writing, teaching, and critical engagement.Image Credit: Jason DimmockContent Guidance: Recorded 14th March 2025Sound Recordist: Charlotte RyanEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

In this episode of Dancing Class, dance artist Sarah Blanc vibrantly explores her journey from a council estate in Waterford, Ireland, to becoming a freelance choreographer and performer in the UK. Sarah shares candid reflections of navigating the challenges of class and access alongside themes of ambition, identity, imposter syndrome, and the freelance hustle. The discussion is wrapped in Sarah’s humour and warmth. Recorded in binaural sound, this immersive episode invites listeners to reflect on how dance and class identity can shape careers in the UK. Content Guidance: Bi-neural

In this episode of Dancing Class, choreographer Gary Clarke shares his journey from growing up in the mining village of Grimethorpe to founding his own dance company. Gary reflects on childhood memories of the miners’ strike, discovering movement through rave culture and baton twirling, and the teachers who helped him along the way. He shares stories of training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, performing with Lea Anderson, and creating politically charged works like Coal and Wasteland. The conversation explores resilience, class, creativity, and how dance can tell working-class stories.Content Guidance: Reference to drug use

In this episode of Carnegie Conversations, Tanya Arnold looks at why women remain under-represented in coaching and why the answer isn’t simply “more programmes.” With Leanne Norman (Director of the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub), Annette Stride (Director of Centre for Social Justice in Sport and Society), and Vicky Huyton (Female Coaching Network), the discussion unpacks the stubborn numbers and the tougher truth behind them: many women who do enter coaching report poor experiences, from exclusion and discrimination to bullying and unsafe cultures.The guests argue the focus must shift from fixing women to fixing the system... pay gaps, costly CPD, informal recruitment networks, and job designs built around the “unencumbered worker.” They also challenge the idea that women should only coach in women’s sport, pointing to the National Football League as an example of how deliberate intervention can normalise women in elite roles.Listen now to learn how we can begin to reimagining coaching culture!

In this episode of Carnegie Conversations, Tanya Arnold explores the world of elite boxing performance and how strength and conditioning, sports science, and biomechanics are shaping modern fight preparation. Joined by two-time world featherweight champion Josh Warrington, strength and conditioning coach Andrew Langford, and senior lecturer in sport and exercise biomechanics, Dr Alex Dinsdale (Leeds Beckett University), the discussion reveals what it really takes to perform at the highest level. Discover how Josh’s training has evolved into a data-led approach focused on building power, speed, conditioning, and recovery at the right time in camp. The panel breaks down the challenge of increasing punch power without losing endurance, managing fatigue, and making weight... while highlighting why collaboration between athlete, coach, and sport science is crucial. Listen now to learn how boxing, strength & conditioning, performance testing, and recovery come together to prepare for the rematch!

In this episode, Tanya Arnold dives into the groundbreaking technology of instrumented mouthguards. These cutting-edge devices measure head acceleration to help detect and prevent head injuries in rugby. Professor Ben Jones (Leeds Beckett University), Ross Tucker (World Rugby), and Karl Hogan (Prevent Biometrics), reveal how reveal how this technology works, the science that proves it, and what it means for the future of the sport.Discover why real-time data is changing concussion protocols, what adoption of this technology looks like across men’s and women’s rugby, and how this innovation could shape the future of contact sports worldwide. From elite athletes to grassroots players, this conversation reveals the long-term vision for reducing risk and protecting players.Listen now to learn how technology, research, and sport are coming together to tackle one of rugby’s biggest challenges.

Join Tanya Arnold as she brings you a very special episode, we celebrate the remarkable people who’ve passed through the doors of the Leeds Beckett University. Nearly 40 alumni have been inducted into our first Sport Hall of Fame, including Alistair Brownlee, Laura Weightman, Emily Campbell and Paul Heckingbottom, to name just a few. Tanya had a chance to chat to a few of our inductees at the launch, listen now to hear their stories, insights, and inspirations as we honour their lasting impact on impact on sport and society.

Hannah Cockroft is a nine-time Paralympic champion. Nearly twenty years into her career, she’s still finding ways to get faster. In this conversation, she talks about how biomechanical analysis has helped her make small but meaningful changes. The kind of changes that give her those marginal gains… that keep her at the top of her sport.In this episodeTanya Arnold is in conversation with para-athlete Hannah Cockroft, her coach Paul Moseley and Biomechanics Researcher, Dr Gareth Nicholson at Carnegie School of Sport.Dr Gareth Nicholson | Leeds Beckett UniversityCarnegie School of Sport | Leeds Beckett University

How is Leeds City Council driving the play agenda? Ali Long, course leader of playwork and childhood development at Leeds Beckett University, talks to Leeds City Council’s playwork strategy officer, Jen Rutherford about the impact of Child Friendly Leeds, the opportunity for the sector presented by the Play Festival, the power of play streets and, of course, our wonderful students.

Emma Bearman of Playful Anywhere is a driving force advocating for all things force for playful and creative in Leeds. In this episode Ali Long talks about Emma's role as Chief of Play, Galaxy Division, what the festival of play means for the city and what the city can expect during the fun-filled week.

Leeds is hosting its first ever festival of play and creativity. Drs Ali Long and Mike Wragg from Leeds Beckett University’s playwork and childhood development course outline why its important, what it means for the sector and the movers and the shakers to come in future episodes.

In the latest Leeds Law School podcast Dr Jill Dickinson, Reader of Law at Leeds Beckett is joined by Teri-Lisa Griffiths, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Sheffield Hallam University and Dr Lousia Ashley, Head of Subject (Postgraduate) at Leeds Beckett University to discuss Professional Development for Practitioners in Academia.

Dr Louisa Ashley, Head of Subject (Postgraduate) interviews Dr Jill Dickinson, Dr Agata Fijalkowski, Dr Suzzie Oyakhire, and Dr Anne-Marie Greenslade around the projects they’re working on, their motivations behind them, benefits and challenges to their research, and next steps for their work.

We are delighted to announce that the Obesity Institute and Obesity UK have just been awarded an NIHR grant to work together with South Asian women and the LGBTQ+ community to codevelop much needed tailored support groups and more inclusive research.

In the latest episode of the We Inspire series, Dr Fiona Fylan from the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing talks about the science of behavioural changes and how we can use research to determine people to make more sustainable choices.

In the latest of our series focusing on our academics, their research and its impact on students and communities, Dr Philomena Commons from the School of Health talks about the work she and her students are doing with St George's Crypt, a charity supporting the homeless population in Leeds.

In the latest of our We Inspire series, Dr Ah-Lian Kor from the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing explains how we can make more sustainable choices through the technology we use every day.

In the latest of our series focusing on our academics' research and its global impact, Dr Olayinka Ajala from the Leeds School of Social Sciences talks about the correlation between conflict and climate change and how this affects human security in Africa.

In the latest in our series focusing on our academics and their research, Professor Christopher Gorse from the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing explains how we can create more sustainable places and contribute to a better environment in our communities.

Andy Cunningham, a Masters by Research student in the Carnegie School of Sport talks about spending two weeks alone in the Scottish wilderness as part of his research on the impact of nature. He discusses the positive benefits of being outdoors and how we could appreciate the aesthetics more.

Professor Claire Surr talks to people living with dementia and their carers about their experiences of diagnosis and support.

On the night of 14 March 1941, Leeds suffered its worst bombing raid of World War II. In 2020, Leeds Beckett history students undertook a research project to look at the impact of this raid on the city and the lives of the people who lived there. In this episode of Beckett Talks, Dr Henry Irving talks to Leanne Speight, one of the students involved in the project, about what they learned. They are joined by Diana Bell, whose parents were married the day after the raid. She tells them about the impact the Blitz had on their wedding and its importance as a piece of social history.

Dr Nicole Whitworth explains where regional accents come from, how they develop and how they are perceived by others. Dr Whitworth discusses accents in other English-speaking countries and considers the future of the accent.

In the latest of our collection focusing on our academics, their research, and how this benefits our students through their teaching, Dr Mercedes Rosello discusses the role of the law in supporting healthy oceans and the communities that depend on them.

In the latest of our collection focusing on our academics, their research, and how this benefits our students through their teaching, Dr Peter Robinson talks about how we ensure tourists benefit the places they visit.

In the latest of our collection focusing on our academics, their research, and how this benefits our students through their teaching, Dr Karen Horwood considers how we can plan towns and cities better for women and girls.

In the first of a new collection of Beckett Talks podcasts focusing on our academics, their research, and how this benefits our students through their teaching, Alistair MacAuley discusses challenges facing the retail sector and the future of fast fashion.

Welfare and Community Officer Lucy MacDonald discusses how the university's students are benefitting from its involvement in the Student Minds University Mental Health Charter project.

This week on Beckett Talks we speak to Carnegie School of Sport PhD student and part-time lecturer, Richard Simpson, on his research around the psychological wellbeing of athletes. Richard also provides tips to help everyone look after their mental wellbeing during the winter months.

Professor Paul Gately, from the Carnegie School of Sport, talks about how Leeds Beckett and his company MoreLife are helping to tackle obesity in the UK. With 63% of the adult population and one in three primary school children currently overweight, national campaigns such as National Obesity Awareness Week and the Government’s Obesity strategy are becoming more important than ever.

New Year, same you. Dr Steve Taylor, senior lecturer in Psychology in the Leeds School of Social Sciences and bestselling author joins us to talk about new beginnings. Exploring his research in consciousness, spirituality, mindfulness and perception we discuss ways we can all be more present, positive and grateful for the lives we have.

Shona Hunter and Christi van der Westhuizen talk about their new book, the Routledge International Handbook ​in Critical Studies in Whiteness. It is a unique decolonial take on Critical Whiteness Studies, challenging its Western parochialism by bringing diverse scholarship from across the world into conversation about knowledges, subjectivities and the newly defensive whiteness of the Radical Right.

Can exhibitions help us to define the modern history of our towns? Dr Lisa Taylor and artist Catherine Bertola explain more about their Intertwining Threads project, and Bailiff Bridge residents Angela and George speak about the work’s impact.

Are you currently deciding which university to apply to? Abi, Laura and Owen share their top tips on how to choose the right university for you and provide support with your UCAS application.

To mark UK Disability History Month, Dr James McGrath looks into one of its main themes: hidden impairments and hidden disabilities. James also shares his own story of being diagnosed with autism as an adult and talks in depth about his works including Naming Adult Autism.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion manager Craig Downing talks to Rainbow Rose chair Dr Ian Lamond and postgraduate student Choj about challenges facing transgender and non-binary people, and how we work together to embrace a more inclusive environment for all.

To mark Remembrance Day, we look at the work Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie Great Outdoors does with The Royal British Legion's Battle Back Centre providing courses for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel to help them recover and rebuild their resilience.