Clog Dancer Laura Connolly Joins WOW North East’s The Hope Brigade

Laura Connolly joins The Hope Brigade North East, WOW - Women of the World’s captivating photography exhibition spotlighting 26 outstanding women and non-binary leaders from the North East. A professional clog dancer from the North East with over 30 years’ experience performing, competing, teaching, and innovating within the tradition, she graduated from Newcastle University’s Folk and Traditional Music degree and pioneered the recognition of Foot Percussion as an instrument with UCAS, paving the way for future percussive folk dancers. Alongside her performance career, she loves teaching at Newcastle University, in schools, or at community events, sharing her passion for clog dancing with dancers of all ages and abilities, describing her clogs as a “drum kit,” blending heels and toes like bass and snare to push the boundaries of traditional steps and create a distinct, rhythmic style of her own.

She takes immense pride in representing clog dancing, that dynamic North East tradition fusing history, community energy, and infectious rhythm through years of workshops, performances, and youth initiatives, she has worked to revive and pass it on, ensuring its lively steps resonate for future generations. Captured beautifully by award-winning photographer Joanne Coates, her portrait forms part of the SDR200 collaboration marking the Stockton & Darlington Railway's 200th anniversary legacy, with the exhibition touring inspiring sites like Locomotion in Shildon and Middlesbrough Railway Station.​

This pinnacle came with attending Her Majesty the Queen's reception at St James's Palace, a highlight of International Women's Day festivities honouring WOW's influence - a true validation of heritage dance's power in promoting equity and igniting creativity. Laura reflects: "I'm immensely proud to champion clog dancing through this recognition. It's a lifelong passion, and I've seen its remarkable ability to connect communities and inspire people to embrace and share their own stories and heritage." 

 You can read more about the initiative here: https://thewowfoundation.com/exhibitions/the-hope-brigade-north-east/