Clara Finch
Senior Contemporary Dancer, Choreographer, and Rehearsal Director
Manchester
Professional Summary
Senior dancer and choreographer with extensive performance, rehearsal direction, and creative staging experience across contemporary theatre and site-specific commissions. Dedicated to rigorous physical practice, collaborative devising, and supportive ensemble leadership that bridges artistic vision and technical precision.
Professional Experience
Northern Motion Ensemble
Manchester, United Kingdom
Resident Choreographer and Rehearsal Director
Mar 2021 – Present
- Direct choreographic staging and rehearsals for a 14-member contemporary repertory company across regional UK tours and festival appearances.
- Commission, develop, and premiere three full-length original productions integrating live sound design and modular set architecture.
- Lead daily company class, technical warm-ups, and injury prevention conditioning to maintain peak ensemble performance.
- Manage production rehearsal schedules, cross-departmental technical cueing, and tour logistics across six touring venues annually.
Mersey Kinetic Theatre
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Lead Dancer and Associate Choreographer
Sept 2016 – Feb 2021
- Performed as principal dancer in seven touring contemporary productions across the UK and mainland Europe.
- Assisted the artistic director with restaging company repertoire, adapting movement phrases, and coaching apprentice dancers.
- Co-designed choreographic sequences for site-responsive outdoor commissions at regional heritage locations.
- Facilitated professional masterclasses and community movement sessions for visiting youth groups and adult learners.
Aethelgard Dance Collective
Manchester, United Kingdom
Company Dancer
Sept 2011 – Aug 2016
- Performed ensemble and solo contemporary repertoire across three national tour seasons.
- Participated in collaborative devisings, contact improvisation sessions, and research-led laboratory workshops.
- Supported technical strike and staging preparations for touring performance spaces.
Education
Northern School of Contemporary Dance
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) · Contemporary Dance · Leeds, United Kingdom · First Class Honours · Sept 2007 – Jun 2010
Trained in contemporary dance techniques including Release-based practice, Cunningham, floorwork, and choreographic composition.
Completed final-year performance tour across regional venues in northern England, featuring newly commissioned ensemble works.
Selected Creative Projects
Echoes of the Irwell
Mar 2024 – Sept 2024
- Conceived and choreographed a 45-minute site-responsive dance installation exploring industrial architecture and waterway history.
- Directed eight independent performers and coordinated cueing with an on-site ambient sound installation.
Resonance in Motion
Jan 2023 – Aug 2023
- Created and toured an intimate contemporary duet investigating partnering mechanics, vocalisation, and minimal staging.
- Showcased the work across four studio theatres in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
Core Competencies
Contemporary Dance Technique
Choreographic Composition
Rehearsal Direction
Movement Improvisation
Site-Specific Staging
Floorwork & Release Technique
Repertoire Staging
Dance Pedagogy
Ensemble Conditioning
Production Coordination
Languages
English
C2
French
B1
Certifications
Healthy Dance Practice Certificate
Safe in Dance International · Apr 2018
Emergency First Aid at Work (Performing Arts)
British Red Cross · May 2024
Community Engagement
Greater Manchester Youth Arts Exchange
Manchester, United Kingdom · Sept 2022 – Jun 2025
- Guest Artist Mentor
- Delivered bi-monthly contemporary dance masterclasses and creative mentoring sessions for emerging regional dancers aged 16 to 21.
- Provided constructive feedback on audition preparation, performance stamina, and career development pathways.