MSDC DANCE
ABOUT US
A contemporary dance collective based in Derbyshire run by Megan Smith and Danni Chell
As two female choreographers, Megan Smith and
Danni Chell aim to create highly physical and compelling work.
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Their movement 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 debuted their first piece
of work, Ignorance is Bliss, in 2018 and are now Associate Artists at Déda for 2019/2020.
MEET THE TEAM
MEGAN SMITH
Co-Artistic Director
DANNI CHELL
Co-Artistic Director
MEGAN SMITH
Megan's early training began at The Rollo Academy of Performing Arts in Nottingham, which provided her with a strong technical and performative foundation. She then continued her training at The University of Derby where she achieved a First Class BA Hons Degree in Dance and took the role of an Internship with Adaire to Dance.
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Her style unifies her love for contemporary dance, acrobatics and intricate partnering. Megan's experience incorporates film, live,
site specific performances and currently works as a Freelance Dance Artist and Teacher. She also leads Déda's youth dance company.
Megan is passionate about producing fast-paced, family-friendly work with a strong and controversial message. She is excited to see what the year ahead will bring for MSDC Dance, as Déda's Associate Artist.
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.
L E A R N I N G
Bounceback Youth Dance Company
InMotion - Youth Dance Company Class
Join Bounceback with Megan
Wednesday 6:30- 8:00pm @ Deda - Derby.
Bounceback is an audition only dance company for young people aged 13-19 who wish to further their dance skills.
The class will develop strong dancers though contemporary technique, creative explorations and performance opportunities.
It is ideal for dancers who are interested in pursuing a career in dance.
Join our Youth Dance Company class with Danni Wednesday 6:30- 8:00pm @ Deda - Derby.
The Déda youth dance company is an exciting youth dance company for young people aged 11-19. Explore contemporary dance and in this class you will develop contemporary technique, learn repertoire and get creative!
Adults Ballet - All Levels
Adults Contemporary- All Levels
Join ballet with Megan Mondays 6:00- 7:00pm @ Deda - Derby.
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 our professional dance studios and cover the standard ballet dance vocabulary in a friendly and relaxed manner.
Join contemporary with Megan Mondays 7:15- 8:15pm @ Deda - Derby.
This class requires little or no previous experience of contemporary dance.
This is an accessible class with an emphasis on expression and fun. The class draws on release-based technique, which relies on the clear use of strength exploring momentum, gravity and the use of weight. This class starts off with a warm up to increase the circulation around the body. We then move on to technical exercises that improve posture, core strength, suppleness and all round fitness. This is then followed with an exciting, new routine. The class is finished off with a cool down to relax the body.
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 young people in the region.
Please contact us about any enquiries below.
PAST
WORK
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.
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
