DanceEast appoints new chief executive

ANTHONY MISSEN is to join DanceEast as chief executive and creative director.

Missen is currently co-artistic director at Company Chameleon in Manchester, which he co-founded in 2007.

He will join DanceEast in October, relocating from Manchester to Suffolk to take up the role.

Missen trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance and has worked with companies including Scottish Dance Theatre, and choreographers including Didi Veldman and Liv Lorent.

He has directed plays for the National Theatre and The Royal Exchange and was series movement director for the BBC’s Everything I Know About Love and Netflix’s Fool Me Once.

He is a Clore Fellow, an accredited coach, and a member of Dance Consortia North-West, Greater Manchester Culture Steering Group, and the UK Dance network.

Missen’s appointment at DanceEast follows the announcement in March that BRENDAN KEANEY is stepping down this summer after 14 years as the organisation’s head.

Missen said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of chief executive and creative director of DanceEast and build on Brendan’s remarkable legacy.

“DanceEast has cemented its position as a beacon of bold creativity, and as a critical part of the UK Dance infrastructure. 

“I’m incredibly excited to lead DanceEast in its next chapter, working with the team to preserve and champion what it does best, to innovate for its future, and for the future of the art form.”

Keaney added: “Despite the challenges in the cultural funding landscape, this role remains one of the best jobs in dance.

“DanceEast is a fantastic organisation, and fortunately the board has secured a fantastic person to join as chief executive and creative director.”