Dancing Coalfields: Honouring mining heritage through dance, art and music

Dancing Coalfields at National Coal Mining Museum for England from Saturday, May 24, to Sunday, June 22. | NCMME

placeholder image — Dancing Coalfields at National Coal Mining Museum for England from Saturday, May 24, to Sunday, June 22. | NCMME

A FREE new exhibition called Dancing coalfields is marking the 40th anniversary of the end of the British miners’ strike at the National Coal Mining Museum for England.

On display from Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 22, this powerful new project bridges generations who live in coalfield communities through dance, art, music, and memory.

Led by the acclaimed Gary Clarke Company, this dynamic display of film and artwork connects students from Outwood Academy Shafton with the rich oral histories and mining heritage of Grimethorpe.

Dancing Coalfields at National Coal Mining Museum for England | Joe Armitage

Building on the success of the award-winning dance theatre production COAL, Dancing Coalfields has creatively reconnected young people with their cultural roots.

Students explored the legacy of coal mining through high-quality dance workshops, supported by original banners and props crafted by the school’s art group.

At the heart of the project is a moving performance of Floral Dance, by the Outwood Academy Shafton Brass Band, joined by the world-renowned Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band.

This has all been captured through a stunning piece of film and original artwork that is on display in the exhibition.

The National Coal Mining Museum partnered with Gary Clarke Company, Outwood Academy Shafton, the National Union of Mineworkers, and Fusion Barnsley to highlight the cultural impact of the Grimethorpe Colliery’s demolition—an event that erased many visible traces of the area’s industrial past.

The project has culminated in a compelling art exhibition and the premiere of the Dancing Coalfields  film, celebrating the voices, creativity, and resilience of the community. With fewer physical reminders of the mining era, this important project offered a vital space for young people to rediscover and honour their heritage through the arts.

Dancing Coalfields  is the vision of award-winning choreographer Gary Clarke, who was born and still lives in Grimethorpe. The project stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of mining communities and the power of the arts to preserve and reimagine history.

Gary Clarke Artistic Director and joint CEO of Gary Clarke Company said:"Dancing Coalfields has been an incredible project for Gary Clarke Company, for the young people involved from Outward Academy Shafton and for me as an artist.

“It has been so special to create a project rooted in my own local community, that reflects on my personal upbringing - it has felt like bringing our work back home.

“Having grown up in Grimethorpe, I know firsthand how vital it is that young people grow up connected to their local heritage.

“Dancing Coalfields has provided an opportunity for young people to discover more about where they come from through dance, art and music, increasing their confidence and sense of self. I'm excited by the possibilities of a continued partnership with the National Coal Mining Museum and so thrilled to have created the Dancing Coalfields exhibition, with their unwavering support."

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum for England said: “We’re incredibly proud to host Dancing Coalfields  as part of our commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of coalfield communities. This project powerfully connects past and present, giving young people the opportunity to explore their heritage through new and relevant ways, using creativity and performance to bring history to life.

“It’s a moving tribute to the resilience of mining communities and a reminder of how coal mining brought people together and supported towns and villages in so many ways.”

The exhibition is free to enter. For more information visit www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/dancing-coalfields/

* From Coal Queens To Comedy Kings, is a free to visit sculpture trail around our the museum’s inside and outside spaces, is now open - until September 7 - celebrating the work of Barnsley’s world famous sculptor Graham Ibbeson, whose memorable works include moments of mining history and much-loved performers.

Figures include Coal Widow, part of the Oaks Disaster Memorial, on loan from the NUM as well as celebrated entertainers such as Eric Morecambe, Ken Dodd and Laurel and Hardy.

Graham is pictured with the sculpture of the Coal Widow, the Oaks Disaster, 1866, Memorial, on loan from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and other memorials linked to the coal industry. Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme

The venue marked the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike with its year-long exhibition 84/85: The Longest Year, which has now come to an end - but you can still explore it by taking the virtual tour - click on the image below - also visit the museum’s website at www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/84-85.

The Museum, the former Caphouse Colliery, is on New Road, Overton, the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield.

Its attractions include underground tours, exhibitions, pony discovery centre, nature trail, adventure playground, café and more.