Urja Desai Thakore and Professor John Blake join the Board of Governors of The Place

The Place today announces the appointment of Urja Desai Thakore and Professor John Blake to its Board of Governors, welcoming two influential leaders whose work is helping to shape the future of culture, creativity and learning in the UK. Their appointments come at a time when The Place is strengthening its global leadership in contemporary dance and deepening its civic impact through research, education and artistic innovation.

As an artist, choreographer and founder of Pagrav Dance Company, Urja is a pioneer of contemporary Kathak bringing a powerful perspective on artistic innovation and cultural leadership.

As a nationally respected voice in education policy and the inaugural director of The Post-18 Project, John contributes deep expertise in widening opportunity and championing excellence.

Together, they bring imaginative thinking, bold leadership and a shared belief in the power of creativity to transform lives, communities and futures.

Clare Connor, Chief Executive Officer, The Place:

"What excites me most about these appointments is not simply the expertise Urja and John bring, but the way they think. Both are respected leaders with a track record of challenging convention, nurturing innovation and inspiring change. Their perspectives, generosity and strategic insight will be invaluable to our governance as we continue to imagine and build the future of dance. The Place has always been at its best when pushing boundaries, and Urja and John embody that same pioneering spirit."

Professor Roni Brown, Chair of the Board of Governors:

“As Chair, I am delighted to welcome Urja Desai Thakore and Professor John Blake to The Place Board. Urja brings exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and a passion for cultural advocacy and community impact, while John offers deep expertise in higher education, student success, and equality of opportunity. Together, Urja and John bring a wealth of expertise, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to creating positive change. I look forward to working with them both as we shape the next chapter of The Place.”

Full Biographies:

Urja Desai Thakore is the Founder, Artistic Director and CEO of Pagrav Dance Company, a leading UK organisation dedicated to contemporary Kathak. A choreographer, performer, educator and cultural leader, she has spent over two decades creating new work, developing artists and building international collaborations. Urja's practice bridges classical traditions with contemporary conversations around identity, belonging and social change. She is a passionate advocate for greater representation of Indian classical dance and is committed to ensuring Kathak continues to evolve as a living, globally relevant art form.

Professor John Blake is the inaugural Director of The Post-18 Project and Professor of Social Innovation and Public Policy at the University of Salford's Social Innovation Institute. He was formerly Director for Fair Access and Participation at the Office for Students and has worked across education policy, school leadership and social reform with organisations including Ark, Now Teach and Policy Exchange.