Central School of Ballet seeks to appoint new Artistic Director

Central School of Ballet, the leading professional dance training organisation based in London, is seeking to appoint a new Artistic Director.  The position is being advertised following the decision by Christopher Marney, Central’s current Artistic Director, to continue his career in the dance industry.

The new appointee will be part of the Executive Team at Central, and the professional training lead at the school.  The Artistic Director is responsible for expert artistic leadership to maintain Central’s reputation for the delivery of world-class dance education and training, alongside graduate dance employment, supporting an increasingly diverse and innovative, internationally recognised culture of dance in the UK.  The role includes the facilitation of the annual Ballet Central tour and other performance opportunities.  Responding to the modern dance industry context, building on the tradition of founder Christopher Gable, the Artistic Director will be based in Central’s state-of-the art new premises in London’s Southwark, part of the South Bank arts community.

Further details are available on Central’s website here.

Executive Director Mark Osterfield explains how this new appointment allows Central to rethink the role and its responsibilities, particularly relevant as the organisation looks to its next phase of growth in its distinctive new home: “This new role allows us to consider the needs of Central and our ambitions to become a hub for a dynamic dance community combining excellence in dance training for those aiming for a professional career and a programme of opportunities for the local Southwark community.  This is an opportunity to find a dance industry leader to work with the team to support our development and drive for further excellence and diversity in the coming years.”

Chris Marney has devoted much of his career to Central School of Ballet.  He has been in his current role for five years, notably growing and influencing the artistic evolution of the annual Ballet Central tour leading to its current success with audiences and its stimulation for graduate student employment.  Chris completed his undergraduate and postgraduate training at Central, while also having a highly successful career as a dancer and choreographer in global dance companies, including New Adventures where he was Principal.

Mark Osterfield comments: “We are all enormously grateful to Chris for his commitment to Central’s ambitions and his considerable inspiration, especially developing the Ballet Central company and its annual tour with choreography from dance industry influencers and choreographers to challenge and stimulate our third-year undergraduate students. We wish him every success in his future career.”