Demo to disrupt ballet starring BNP dancer

[B~E]

A dancer dubbed "the BNP ballerina" faces a demonstration from up to 100 protesters when she takes the stage in a leading role tomorrow.

Simone Clarke is playing Giselle for the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum. But she faces a protest by anti-racist campaigners following revelations that she is a member of the British National Party.

Members of the anti-racism group Unite Against Fascism are angry that she will continue to be employed by the ENB despite her membership of the extremist organisation.

A UAF spokesman said: 'It will be a peaceful demonstration. We hope at least 100 people turn up. 'We are calling on all those who have an appreciation for the arts, music and dance to demand that the promotion of racist and fascist politics are incompatible with a leading arts institution such as the English National Ballet. 'We want them to speak out against the association of artists with the BNP, and say that Simone Clarke should be removed from her position.' Clarke, 36, is a BNP member even though her partner, and co-dancer at the ENB, is Yat-Sen Chang - a Cuban immigrant whose father is Chinese.

The couple live near Olympia but their four-year-old daughter Olivia resides in Leeds with Clarke's parents.

Performing arts union Bectu is calling for the ballerina to be fired. Assistant general secretary Gerry Morrissey said: 'The BNP and its policies are an affront to the vast majority of people in this country. Simone Clarke earns her living in the subsidised arts and with this goes certain responsibilities, which she has failed to comply with.' Clarke is expected to play a full part in English National Ballet's 2007 season, with roles in Swan Lake, The Canterville Ghost and The Snow Queen. An insider said: 'ENB are carrying on as if the revelation never happened. They are prepared for a backlash, but hope the outcry over Simone's politicial affiliations eventually subsides. 'But this is a disaster for ENB. The company is desperate to find more home-grown dancing talent as only one other of its principal dancers is from the UK.' When contacted, Ms Clarke said: 'I don't want to say anything more about this.' Mr Chang added: 'We've both been asked by the ENB not to talk to the press on these matters.

This goes to show the Anti-Fascist for what they really are. Scums with no regard for democracy. Political affiliations should be left in the public sphere, you shouldn't have to suffer for your political ideals in your private life.

[Lizardbreath]

Yeah that is pretty weak IMO. However I think ultimately that this perosn will get fired from her job because it will be bad for the business

[Bret]

Who doesn't have affiliations with extremist parties? Look at Green Peace. Anything but peaceful. lol

[x42bn6]

Yes, this is disgusting. If I was in America, I wouldn't block Republicans from entering my home because I disagree with their leader.

I disagree with the British National Party's view that "racism is part of human nature", but this is ballet, for crying out loud!*

[Arxces]

It comes down to this: I disagree with you, but I will defend your right to disagree with me.

[B~E]

...I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it. Thats a direct translation from the quote wrongly attributed to Voltaire. It something that he might have said, that resum his philosophy of freedom of expression, but that he probably never said.

Sorry for nitpicking.

[Arxces]

"Sorry for nitpicking."

Non-issue as far as I'm concerned. The story did make ITV News, but not the more reputable, more serious BBC News.