Artistic director steps down from DanceEast

BRENDAN KEANEY will step down as artistic director and chief executive of DanceEast in July after 14 years in post.

Initially a freelance dancer, teacher and choreographer, Keaney later moved into management, holding roles including director of Greenwich Dance and dance officer with responsibility for independent dance at Arts Council England.

He was awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to dance and received an honorary fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2024.

“I can’t pretend that part of me is not very sad to be leaving such a wonderful job,” said Keaney.

“There is another part of me, however, that is very excited as DanceEast enters a new phase in its development. I have always been very conscious that I have only ever been the custodian of this very special enterprise. I feel certain that the best is yet to come!

“There is a lot to do before I leave in the summer, not least working with DanceEast’s senior team to make an application to remain in Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, which is a significant piece of work.

“Most critically, however, I would like to use the next six months to leverage some additional investment into DanceEast. There is no doubt that the funding landscape is challenging, and I would like to leave the new leadership in the best place possible.”