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# Anthony Missen appointed new DanceEast chief executive
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/anthony-missen-appointed-new-danceeast-chief-executive/
- Published: 2025-06-25T08:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:09:24.000Z
- Description: Anthony Missen will take over from Brendan Keaney OBE at the Ipswich dance organisation this autumn following a competitive recruitment process.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Dance, Drama, Theatre & Cinema, Third Sector, #article, DanceEast, Andy Missen, #Import 2026-03-16 14:43

**Why it matters:** [DanceEast](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/danceeast/) is one of the UK's leading dance organisations and the home of dance in the East of England, recording up to 75,000 attendances annually across its activities, projects, and performances.

**The details:** Missen joins from Company Chameleon, which he co-founded in Manchester in 2007 and where he serves as co-artistic director. The Arts Council England NPO presents over 50 indoor and outdoor performances annually.

The appointment follows a recruitment process led by trustees and involving Arts Council England, which attracted expressions of interest and applications from across the UK and internationally.

**His background:** Missen trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and has worked with companies including Scottish Dance Theatre. He has movement-directed plays for the National Theatre and The Royal Exchange, and was series movement director for "Everything I Know About Love" (BBC One 2021/22) and "Fool Me Once" (Netflix 2024).

He has taught at major dance institutions throughout the UK and internationally, and is a Clore Fellow and accredited coach. Missen serves on influential networks including Dance Consortia North-West and the Greater Manchester Culture Steering Group.

**What they're saying:** "I'm honoured to take on the role of Chief Executive & Creative Director of DanceEast and build on Brendan's remarkable legacy," Missen said. "DanceEast has cemented its position as a beacon of bold creativity, and as a critical part of the UK Dance infrastructure."

Shreela Ghosh, chair of DanceEast's board of trustees, said: "We were inspired by Anthony's bold vision for DanceEast, which was also inclusive and compelling."

Outgoing artistic director and chief executive Brendan Keaney OBE said: "Not only does Anthony bring a wealth of dance expertise, he also shares the values that make DanceEast a special place for audiences, participants, and employees."

**What's next:** Missen will join DanceEast in October and relocate from Manchester to Suffolk. The organisation is based at the purpose-built Jerwood DanceHouse on the Ipswich waterfront.

**The bottom line:** DanceEast has secured an experienced cultural leader with international credentials to guide the organisation through its next phase of development in the East of England.

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