Our Team
The work of DanceEast is made possible by a powerful team of dance enthusiasts, driven by a belief in the joy and personal benefit that dance can bring. Meet the team below:
CHIEF EXECUTIVE & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Anthony Missen
I’m thrilled to have started my new role as Chief Executive & Creative Director at DanceEast. There is so much to celebrate and admire about what DanceEast does, and what it has done for many years. This pursuit is in my heart. It is what I’ve dedicated my professional life to.
I trained at The Northern School of Contemporary Dance before working with companies including Scottish Dance Theatre, Mad Dogs Dance Theatre, Cie. Willi Dorner (Vienna), and choreographers including Rui Horta, Didi Veldman and Liv Lorent.
I co-founded Company Chameleon in 2007 and grew it into an internationally renowned touring company. Its multi-studio base offers opportunities for people from all walks of life to engage with movement, to perform, play, learn and create.
I’ve Movement Directed plays for HOME Manchester, The Royal Exchange and the National Theatre. I was series Director for BBC One drama Everything I Know About Love (2021/22), and Fool Me once, Netflix 2024.
I’ve taught and choreographed extensively throughout the UK and in countries including South Korea, South Africa, Ethiopia, Israel, Trinidad, Morocco, and throughout Europe.
I believe in dance as a vehicle for social change, with immense transformative power.
Read Anthony's full statementCOMMUNICATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
Bryony Hope
HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT
As Head of Communications and Development I am responsible for inspiring people to support DanceEast, and for developing our audiences. I previously worked with museums, galleries and arts centres across Hampshire. While I have no background in dance, I believe it can be transformative for people of all ages and backgrounds. I am excited by the range of DanceEast’s work, from community projects to outstanding performances at the Jerwood DanceHouse. It is a privilege to work for this fantastic organisation.
Sally Furniss
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER
Dance, music and the arts have always been a big part of my life, be that ballet classes in my younger years or today, a Saturday night kitchen disco with my young son. I have always appreciated the benefits and impact of dance, be that watching or taking part, and the important role this plays in your everyday health and wellbeing. Dance is for everyone! Let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel the energy and happiness when you move and have a boogie? My role here is being able to tell all of you about what we have to offer here at the Jerwood DanceHouse, passionately spreading the word. With that I am so excited and proud to be part of this amazing group of people here at DanceEast.
Lily Wood
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Although I’m not a dancer (apart from in the shower/kitchen!) my education in Art & Design means I appreciate all things creative. I’ve been a maker of art, a curator of art events, and an enthusiastic audience member! After college I started my own brand, Abstract Frog, creating bespoke homeware and artwork. I’ve networked with organisations like Led Creatives, volunteered at Community Hub Ipswich, and created murals with Art Eat Events. I love to get involved with the local community! I’m looking forward to using my skills to promote everything that DanceEast represents and has to offer.
Natalie Pace
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
She/Her
As part of the Development Team, my role focuses on delivering a broad range of fundraising activities that help support DanceEast’s ambitious and impactful programmes. I relish the entrepreneurial spirit and agile approach fundraising demands.
It’s an honour to work for a charity committed to meeting local need and contributing to the national dance sector. Being based within the Jerwood DanceHouse means I get to see the productions, projects and workshops come to life – and change lives – which is truly inspiring.
Since graduating in 2007, I have worked across arts curation and development in the UK and Asia, including co-founding an arts not-for-profit Pier Projects in Suffolk. Outside of work, I spend my time in the kitchen or by the sea.
Lucy Mellamphy
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
I’m excited to be part of the DanceEast Development Team, helping to create meaningful experiences and connections with people through the enjoyment of dance.
I graduated from the University of Sussex with a BA (Hons) in English Language and have since had roles in film production and local theatre.
I’ve loved theatre and dance from a young age and am currently studying for my teaching qualification in tap dance, with the aim to teach locally when I’m not at my desk!
CREATIVE TEAM
Tom Bowes
INTERIM HEAD OF CREATIVE PROGRAMMES
He/Him
If you’d told me when I was younger that I’d end up working in dance, I’d never have believed you! It wasn’t until I had some brilliant dance teachers at high school that I fell in love with it. Fast forward to now, and I’m lucky enough to have built a career in dance – a journey that’s taken me from performing and teaching to producing and into leadership roles in the creative sector.
After studying at the University of Roehampton (BA Dance Studies) and Trinity Laban (MA Dance Performance), I’ve worked in organisations including Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Trinity Laban.
As Interim Head of Creative Programmes at DanceEast, I lead the Creative Team – an inspiring group of people who make everything we do possible. Together, we deliver an ambitious and inclusive programme of work with artists, communities, and young people. Supporting people to experience, enjoy, and progress in dance is a real privilege, and I’m proud to play a part in shaping DanceEast’s work now and for the future.
Sophie O'Connor
PRODUCER FOR CREATIVE HEALTH AND COMMUNITIES
She/Her
Dance was a huge part of my childhood. I studied Performing Arts and Psychology at Winchester University and over the last 10 years have worked in Arts Development for local government and managed a Community & Education programme for commercial theatres, but soon found myself drawn back into dance and combining all the things I love as a Producer here at DanceEast, developing programmes and projects that make a difference to our communities and spreading the joy of dance!
Daisy Wyatt
INTERIM CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TRAINING MANAGER
She/Her
Originally from Norwich, I began training at the Anglia Region Theatre School. Later, focussing specifically on contemporary dance and earning a First-Class Honours degree from the University of Lincoln. During my studies, I worked with choreographers and companies such as Nori Aoki, Verve and James Wilton Company, and developed skills in screen dance, digital technology and site-specific work. Most recently, I worked with the DanceEast CAT, coordinating activity and supporting the development of young dancers, while also teaching as a freelance community artist. I am now the Programme Manager at DanceEast, where I oversee classes, workshops and other exciting activities.
Hayley Lemon
INTERIM PROGRAMME MANAGER
I studied Dance at the University of Bedfordshire from 2014-2017, where I then stayed for another year to complete my Masters. Graduating in 2018, I began working across Essex, Suffolk and Bedfordshire as a freelance artist, working with various people from all ages and abilities, which I have continued to do for the past 6 years. I started teaching at DanceEast in 2019 and have been teaching here ever since. I thoroughly enjoy being at DanceEast due to the welcoming atmosphere, wonderful people, and fantastic building. I am thrilled to be working here full time from June 2024.
Noora Kela
CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TRAINING OFFICER
She/They
My career started with graduating from London Contemporary Dance School with 1st Class Honors. Since 2003, I have worked with many UK and European choreographers. I have had a longstanding relationship with the Henri Oguike Dance and Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, where I was given the chance to broaden my knowledge of dance through educational outreach work, workshop planning, mentoring, and rehearsal directing for companies.
My outreach education covers amateurs, professionals, and anything in between; my passion for sharing the joy and creativity of movement has made it possible to tailor activities to suit all participants.
In 2021, I stepped away from performing, which initiated a desire to use my skills in other areas of dance to help others realise and achieve their full potential in the creative world. I am undertaking a BA Honors study in Art and Culture Management in HUMAK University of Applied Sciences, which is due to be completed in June 2026.
Katie Byford
PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
She/They
Since graduating from the University of Lincoln with a Bachelor’s Honours and Master’s degree in dance, I have been touring Europe as part of the People Power Partnership (PPP) dance-theatre project.
I am thrilled to reconnect with DanceEast and the local community, to continue promoting accessibility and inclusivity in dance.
Jihae Kim
INTERIM PROGRAMME COORDINATOR
The stage was my first classroom. My journey began in middle school as an amateur youth musical theatre performer, where I first fell in love with dance and music. During and after studying at the University of Manchester (MA Arts Management, Policy, and Practice), I worked with arts organisations across Manchester and London, supporting community programmes, festivals, and performances through stewarding and production assistance. I’m thrilled to bring this passion to DanceEast, connecting people through dance classes, workshops, and inclusive creative programmes.
OPERATIONS
Bill Armitage
HEAD OF OPERATIONS & RESOURCES
I joined DanceEast in 2011, having worked in a number of multi-arts venues for over 20 years. Having a passion for contemporary dance I was drawn from Scotland to Ipswich by the opportunity to work in this incredible building. In my role, no two days are the same, given the variety of work we do, both in and outside the DanceHouse.
Helen Wright
FINANCE & ADMIN OFFICER
I joined DanceEast in October 2007 as a Front of House Assistant working primarily in the evening. I then combined this role with working as the finance assistant when I had a career change in 2009. I remember when the Jerwood Dance House was a building site and have had some memorable times working here. I am now the Finance & Admin Officer. I love watching dance and all theatre and try and see as many shows as possible.
Tanya Smith
SALES & ADMIN ASSISTANT | FINANCE ASSISTANT
I joined DanceEast in 2007 as a Front of House Assistant, so get to meet everyone whether attending a class, watching a performance, or performing. I also now work part time as Finance Assistant which gives a contrast to meeting people. I am delighted to be part of the wonderful team here at DanceEast!
Greg Turbyne
TECHNICAL MANAGER
Having worked across a diverse range of contemporary performance and academic projects over the past thirty years, joining DanceEast in 2019 takes me, to some extent, full circle as my career in performance technology and lighting design started at Dundee Rep where I enjoyed my first design commissions with the resident dance company. My key interests are Performance Studies, democratisation of technology and design across all disciplines.
Conor Farthing
TECHNICIAN
After graduating from UCC Colchester with a degree in technical theatre studies I’ve fulfilled most technical roles in a theatre environment and have also freelanced around Essex and Suffolk as a Sound and Lighting Production Technician. I’ve worked in all styles of live events from music, live art, dance and corporate. I’m always keen to play with the most modern technologies and give the best quality technical production possible and DanceEast gives me that opportunity.
Derek Gash
CARETAKER
My main interests are Genealogy, I have a large family tree and daily add more. Also, I aim to do some metal detecting soon. I love history and like to visit historical buildings and landmarks both here and abroad.
Adrian Theobald
CARETAKER
I was born, and have lived, in Ipswich all my life. I enjoy dancing salsa and ballroom socially, going on dance holidays, and have also performed in the past. Before joining DanceEast, my working life was spent in IT, more recently in software consultancy, support, training, and project management.
SALES AND ADMIN
Gemma Goode
SALES & COMMERCIAL MANAGER
She/Her
I have worked across a range of sectors including hospitality, healthcare, and recruitment, mainly focusing on customer service and forming client relationships.
Theatre has been a passion of mine from an early age both participating in and observing and whilst I don’t have a background specific to dance, I am excited to be in a role that allows me to witness creativity, inclusivity and innovation on a daily basis. My role as Sales and Commercial Manager allows me to work across all customer facing areas of DanceEast and see our customers enjoying everything this unique venue has to offer, from classes and events, to private hire, or simply enjoying a coffee in the café with friends.
Joe Keeley
SALES & VENUE SUPERVISOR
He/Him
I joined DanceEast in 2021 after three years working as a session musician. I previously achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Digital Marketing and Social Media Management which gave me the skills to promote myself and my music enough that I could call it my full-time profession. Now taking up this new role at DanceEast, I work with lots of different and creative minded people whilst also playing and creating music in my spare time.
Jo Salcombe
SALES & VENUE SUPERVISOR
He/Him
I joined DanceEast in 2023. I’m local to Ipswich and have worked in a variety of jobs ranging from car sales to bar management. I have had the pleasure of being part of several dance shows thanks to my partner, Rosy, which has been great fun and has given me an insight into the world of a professional dance artist.
I am also a self-employed Social Media Manager, working with some amazing companies and brands to help develop & maintain their online presence. Alongside this, I’m a Content Creator, focussing on livestreaming and video creation. I really enjoy the creative freedom that comes with this, crafting video content from its initial inception all the way through to editing and marketing.
Marni Cady-Heffer
SALES & ADMIN ASSISTANT
She/Her
Isabella Grieco
SALES & ADMIN ASSISTANT
She/They
I have a background in Film, TV, and writing, but I also danced for many years. Born and raised in Ipswich, I love all things local! I’ve worked with the Wolsey 550 project, Norfolk and Norwich Festival, SPILL Festival and I’m thrilled to now work at DanceEast. I’m involved in numerous community groups, running events with organisations such as Led Creatives and Young Artists In Suffolk, as well as contributing to Community Hub Ipswich’s Youth Council. I’m a committee member of the Ipswich Film Society, based out of King Street Cinema where I have also previously worked.
Jess Sharman
SALES & ADMIN ASSISTANT
She/Her
I started dancing in my final years of primary school, studying a variety of styles, from ballet and tap, to being self taught in Hip Hop. I’ve had the pleasure of performing in a wide range of venues across England, including the Royal Albert Hall.
Being a creative person, working at DanceEast gives me the opportunity to interact with professional dance artists and those completely new to dance, hearing their stories and watching their ideas come to life in the studio and on stage.
