In episode eight of The Real Smile Podcast, Claire Wharmby — founder of Empire Street Dance Company — shares her journey from discovering her passion for dance to building a successful street dance school and inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Claire reflects on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped her career, and what it takes to create a school where young people feel supported, inspired and confident. We talk about the importance of giving every child a place to belong, balancing family life with running a dance school, and why passion and perseverance have been at the heart of everything she's achieved.

Throughout the conversation, Claire opens up about the lessons she's learned along the way, the responsibility of mentoring the next generation, and the moments that have made it all worthwhile. It's an ...