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Dr Sharon Watson On Growing Up In Leeds, The Black British Dance Scene & BBB Awards

Dr Sharon Watson knew she wanted to be a professional contemporary dancer aged nine. She had no idea it would happen, let alone that she would become the longest-standing Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds after joining the all-male award-winning dance company in 1989, in her early twenties.

Her steps to the top started with a six-month Principal Dancer contract and after her second attempt at applying for the Artistic Director role, she landed the top job in 2009. 

Dr Watson was nominated for a Black British Business Award (BBBA), so I called her to talk about her career and navigating the UK contemporary dance industry as a black woman born and bred in Leeds.