ariel clarke

Ariel Clarke is a dancer, educator, choreographer, and a member of Open Space, PDX under the direction of Franco Nieto, Ballare Carmel under the direction of Lillian Barbeito, and Gianna Burright & Artists.  Through an unconventional path, she has accumulated a wide range of educational and performative experiences through various different programs, both national and international. These include multiple Gaga Labs, The Mediterraneo Danse Festival, Springboard Danse Montreal’s 20th edition in 2022, Springboard Danse Pittsburgh in 2025, the Inaugural Carmel Fellowship program in 2023, and more. Ariel has performed works by Maxine Doyle, Juliano Nuñes, Lauren Edson, Alex Ketley, MiCaela Taylor, Outrun The Bear, Akira Uchida, Noelle Kayser, and more

Being a creator herself, Ariel has presented multiple works for different festivals and has branched into the film industry in partnership with several music artists, along with The Raven Foundation for their educational film series exploring the Theory of Mimesis, something she is extremely proud of. She finds great joy in sharing her passions for dance and has taught for many years to a variety of different ages and levels at numerous institutions. Ariel has students currently attending Juilliard, NYU Tisch, Purchase, and more, with several now dancing in renowned companies. Over the past five years, Ariel has been developing her own method and technique within Floor Work, a mindful and therapeutic approach to help younger dancers develop a more intentional and sustainable dance practice.

Drawing inspiration from all aspects of her life, her hunger and curiosity for new information and understanding propel her to constantly question and step beyond her own boundaries within her pursuits and creative explorations. Ariel is deeply passionate and sensitive, both as a person and a mover; any moment of sharing movement that allows her to provoke sensitivity and connection to self within others is the greatest gift to her.

Moving into her seventh season with the studio, Ariel is endlessly grateful to consider XDA her home.