ABOUT US
A contemporary dance collective based in Derbyshire run by Megan Hooley and Danni Chell
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Megan Hooley and Danni Chell, two dance artists, choreographers and teachers based in Derbyshire, are dedicated to creating dynamic and captivating physical performances. With over 16 years of combined experience in the industry, they bring a diverse range of expertise from multiple disciplines.
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Their movement style finds fluidity within intricate floor work and showcases innovative and high-risk contact work whilst exploring their physicality to create challenging yet exciting choreography utilising contemporary dance with an acrobatic influence.
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MSDC Dance work collectively to produce performance work for a wide range of audiences, deliver workshops in educational and corporate settings and offer community adult and youth dance classes based in Derby.
MEET THE TEAM
MEGAN HOOLEY
Co-Artistic Director
DANNI CHELL
Co-Artistic Director
MEGAN HOOLEY
Megan's dance journey began at The Rollo Academy of Performing Arts in Nottingham where she received a comprehensive and rigorous foundation in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Acrobatics and Street Dance. This diverse training set the stage for her continued development at the University of Derby, where she earned a First Class BA Hons Degree in Dance.
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Her work as a Dance Artist is characterised by a seamless blend of contemporary, ballet, acrobatic movement and dynamic partnering. Megan has had the privilege of performing and collaborating on international tours, in film, and in live, site-specific performances. She currently works as a Freelance Dance Artist, Choreographer and Teacher, continuously pushing the boundaries of creative expression.
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Megan is also an active educator, teaching across the Midlands for various prestigious institutions, including De MontFort University, University of Lincoln and The Royal Ballet School. ​
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She is the lead instructor for the MSDC Dance Adult Ballet and Contemporary classes in Derby and co-leads MSDC Dance Youth Company (formerly known as Bounceback and In Motion), one of Derby's most well-regarded youth dance companies.
Driven by passion for producing high-energy, family-friendly performances with meaningful messages, Megan strives to create work that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages and is dedicated to fostering dance within the adult and youth communities.
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Megan is fully insured with Public Liability Insurance, holds current Risk Assessments, is DBS certified and is First Aid trained.
DANNI CHELL
Danni initially developed her practise through Déda Youth Academy and graduated with a First Class Degree in Dance from The University of Derby.
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Danni's background spans diverse roles in choreography, performance, teaching, project co-ordination. Danni's work prioritises inclusivity and high-quality delivery with a passion for creating access to dance for all.
With a strong focus on community dance work across many settings, Danni has been Lead Artist, choreographing for many projects individually and with MSDC Dance.
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Danni is fully insured with Public Liability Insurance, holds current Risk Assessments, is DBS certified and is First Aid trained.
C L A S S E S
Booking options for our adult classes 2025: Drop-in classes cost £7.50, book four classes for £28 or BOOK 6+ classes for 15% off!
Adult Ballet Classes
Monday, 6pm-7pm
Location: Derby Live Studios, 19 Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU
Finish your day with a beautiful ballet class; suitable for beginners or those returning to dance. This popular all levels ballet class is aimed at those who want to give ballet a go as well as those who may already have some experience. The classes take place in professional dance studios and cover the standard ballet dance vocabulary in a friendly and relaxed manner.
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To book, please email Megan msdcdance@yahoo.com
Adult Contemporary Class
Monday, 7pm-8pm
Location: Derby Live Studios, 19 Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU
This class requires little or no previous experience of contemporary dance. This is an accessible class with an emphasis on expression and fun, in an open and friendly environment!
The class draws on release-based technique, which explores momentum, gravity and the use of weight. Starting off with a warm up, we increase the circulation around the body and focus on the technical foundations. We then move on to short exercises that improve posture, core strength, suppleness and all round fitness. This is then followed with an exciting, new routine which rotates every 4 weeks. To finish, Megan will then take you through a stretch and flow so that you can fully relax and unwind!​
To book, please email Megan on msdcdance@yahoo.com
YOUTH CLASSES
MSDC Dance Youth Company
Wednesday, 6pm-8pm
Location: Derby Live Studios, 19 Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU
This high-energy dance class is perfect for young people aged 11-18, looking to learn and develop their skills in contemporary dance, explore a variety of other techniques whilst expressing their creativity through choreography and collaborative performance work.
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Whether you’re aiming to improve your technique or experience the joy of dance, MSDC Dance Youth Company offers the perfect blend of creativity and challenge to keep you moving and inspired. So, come and join us in a fun and supportive environment where you’ll build confidence, improve your skills, develop your artistry and connect with fellow dancers!
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Classes cost £11.50 per session. To book, please email Danni & Megan - msdcdance@yahoo.com
Megan and Danni have a wide range of experience delivering workshops for schools, universities and youth groups. Workshops can be tailored for any age, ability and subject matter.
As Derbyshire based artists, MSDC Dance are advocates for providing high-quality dance opportunities for adults and young people in the region.
Please contact us about any enquiries below.
CURRENT PERFORMANCE WORK
A M P H I T R I T E
Amphitrite is a duet performance for indoor and outdoor settings.
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The piece reflects the intricate nuances of the musical composition. Drawing parallels from the ebb and flow of layers within the music, the dancers become an oceanic tide juxtaposed by the push and pull of the strings.
PAST
WORK
DISSONANCE
Dissonance is a dance film which explores the dissonance between humans and our environments.
DISSONANCE
(DMU)
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2021 with Demonfort University
RUIN/RECLAIM
An exploration of two alternate futures, one in which humans take action on the way they treat the planet and the other in which we don't.
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An exploration of natural cycles of growing and decaying with interception of humans actions ruining the harmonious rhythms.
2020 in Partnership with the University of Derby
IGNORANCE IS BLISS
As progressive as it's ever been, we live in a society in which we are all still striving for equality. We aim to challenge the generic perceptions of male and female roles in society and address taboo subjects that are often overlooked or dismissed.
Inspiration is drawn from each of our experiences, a glimpse in to current issues we face regarding our sex or gender, questioning the socially constructed ideologies that we all live with.
ACE Funded Debuted at Deda's 20th anniversary event
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INVISIBLE BARRIERS
The Perception of Women in the Arts