claire barrera is an artist based in Portland, Oregon. Their dance career extends 34 years, and they are extensively trained in ballet, modern and postmodern technique. They have created and produced their work since 2010, and have received multiple grants and residencies, most recently via Regional Arts and Cultural Council, Caldera Arts and Chapel Theater. They have performed in the work of many artists, including Allie Hankins, Linda Austin and Sam Hamilton. 

barrera’s work is multi-disciplinary and includes voice and writing. They’ve been involved in DIY punk art and social justice since they were an angry 12 year old in D.C. They co-edit the zine When Language Runs Dry: A Zine for People with Chronic Pain and Their Allies, which was anthologized by Mend My Dress Press (2020). Other writings include their zine el lenguaje nos gusta y nos confunde and an essay in Cindy Milstein’s anthology Constellations of Care  (Pluto Press, 2024).

Dance Director, Michigan Dance Council

Clara Martinez is the Dance Director at Everett High School in the Lansing School District. A lifelong dancer with a passion for community organizing, she views her role at Everett as arts educator and community leader. She is a proud union representative and advocates for students and educators in the Lansing Schools Education Association. Clara won Best Dance Instructor in Lansing’s City Pulse Top of the Town 2020 Contest. She is Chair of Michigan Dance Council and Board Member for All Of The Above Hip Hop Academy and Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan. Clara was recognized as a Rising Leader in the Arts and selected for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs’ Rising Leaders 2021-2022 Cohort. Clara is pursuing her Masters of Social Work (MSW) in Organization & Community Leadership at Michigan State University. Clara received her Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance from The Ohio State University.