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.

Dancing Class, Helen Linsell, Bridges not Barriers: Episode 2