Company Chameleon Launch New Dance Company

Manchester based Company Chameleon is holding taster sessions for its new dance company, Chameleon Youth.

The new company will give young people, aged 11 to 18, the chance to develop their talent with a professional dance company through a creative programme of dance classes, talks, workshops and development opportunities with industry professionals, such as choreographers, composers, lighting and costume designers.

Nominated at both the MTAs and National Dance Awards, Company Chameleon’s acclaimed style is a rich mix of dance and movement techniques, drawing influences from contemporary dance, capoeira, ballet and contact improvisation.

The company was founded by Anthony Missen and Kevin Edward Turner who met at Trafford Youth Dance Theatre in the mid-1990s. Two ordinary lads from Manchester, they shared an ambition to dance professionally for a living.

The pair went on to train at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and after graduating travelled extensively to work with some of the most innovative dance companies and choreographers in the world. They returned home to Manchester in 2007 to set-up their own dance company, with which they have toured nationally and internationally to wide acclaim.

Now the pair want to share their knowledge and experience to help nurture the next generation of dancers from the city.

“Setting up a youth dance company has been a long-held aspiration of ours,” says Kevin. “Anthony and I both discovered dance as teenagers at Trafford Youth Dance, and if it wasn’t for that experience, we wouldn’t be stood here today as Company Chameleon. We want to recreate the opportunity we had when we were young to be creative and explore dance. In some ways, Chameleon Youth, sees our own personal dance story going full circle.”

Chameleon Youth running free taster sessions at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 7 and 14 May. The workshops will provide a feel for the company’s original dance style, and its creative and fun approach to dance skills development. No prior dance experience is essential. The company says it is looking for a positive attitude, loads of enthusiasm, and a desire to dance and be creative.

Chameleon Youth try-outs for the school will take place on Saturday 11 June, with structured weekly classes at Manchester Central Library starting in September.

For more information visit www.companychameleon.com