Mary Clarke

Distinguished dance critic of the Guardian and editor of Dancing Times for 45 years, she also wrote several influential books about the art form she lovedThough many girls harbour ambitions of becoming dancers, Mary Clarke, who has died aged 91, always knew that she was “born audience”. However, she did not just observe, but reported what she saw. An article in Dancing Times in December 1943 eventually led to her editing that journal for 45 years, and to serving as the Guardian’s dance cri