Choreographer and dancer Christopher Marney, perhaps best known for his work as a principal dancer with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, was recently announced as the new Artistic Director of Ballet Central. Functioning as the touring company of Central School of Ballet’s third year students, Ballet Central will now be lead by Marney as he ultimately guides them towards industry employment as graduates.
Marney himself is an alumnus of Central School of Ballet, taught by the late founder of the school Christopher Gable. As a great influencer on Marney’s subsequent professional life, this new appointment will see Marney ensure that Gable’s ethos and legacy will live on in future generations of Central students. Marney will take up the post from September, and will continue to undertake freelance work as a performer/choreographer, anticipating the forging of collaborations between Central School of Ballet and industry professionals.
Marney is currently performing in the world tour of Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty (for which he was also the Associate Choreographer); recent work also includes choreographing for McQueen The Play in London’s West End, and for Ballet Black at the Barbican. Prior to this, Marney’s comprehensive performance career includes work with companies such as BalletBoyz, Michael Clark and Gothenburg Ballet, in addition to receiving Critics Circle nominations at the National Dance Awards.
Following the summer, this creative individual will be shaping the futures of the young artists at Central School of Ballet. Ballet Central will benefit greatly from Marney’s expertise and artistic vision, having already enriched the many companies he has previously been part of. His professionalism, work ethic and unparalleled understanding of theatre and performance will be at the heart of his nurturing of these students as they transition into the competitive dance industry.