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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. 

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MEET THE TEAM

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MEGAN HOOLEY

Co-Artistic Director

DANNI CHELL

Co-Artistic Director

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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. â€‹

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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. 

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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.

As a professional freelance dance artist, she has approached the industry from various angles: performance, choreography, project leader and teaching.


With a strong focus on community dance work, Danni has been Lead Artist, choreographing for many projects individually.

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When creating work Danni cultivates ideas around current societal experiences and sharing and starting conversations through dance.

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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!

YOUTH CLASSES

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.

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PAST
WORK

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A M P H I T R I T E

Amphitrite 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.

DISSONANCE

Dissonance is a dance film which explores the dissonance between humans and our environments.

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DISSONANCE
(DMU)

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2021 with Demonfort University

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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

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CONTACT US

Derby, UK

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