LGBTQ Heroes: Michael Clark - a rule-breaking dancer who continues to inspire
The gay man who became a dance sensation.
Michael Clark is a Scottish dancer and choreographer.
Early life
Born in 1962 in Aberdeen, Clark began traditional Scottish dancing at the age of four.
In 1975 he left home to study at the Royal Ballet School in London.
Career
In 1979 Clark joined Ballet Rambert, working primarily with Richard Alston.
He was quickly recognised as one of his generation’s leading dancers.
Relatively early in his career, he began choreographing his own work.
Clark was a prominent force in London’s art scene – collaborating in fashion, music, and design projects.
Recognition
Clark was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours for services to dance.
In 2020, a retrospective exhibition – Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer – was presented at the Barbican in London.