Salford dance students take the stage with Company Chameleon

In Autumn 2019, The Shadow, a new stage production choreographed by Co-Artistic Director, Anthony Missen will take to the stage.

In this creation the six students appeared as “sinister hooded figures with covered faces” alongside professional company dancers from Openshaw based Company Chameleon. 

The university has been working with Company Chameleon for over ten years, initially supporting the company when the Co-Artistic Directors, Anthony Missen and Kevin Turner first returned to Manchester to start the company. 

The relationship has grown over the years with the company and they teach classes for the dance students every week.  

Mattie Margison is a student at the university who is part of the Company Chameleon research and development team. Mattie and the other students have worked alongside Anthony on The Shadow.  

Mattie said: “It’s been really interesting to work with Anthony himself because he has a lot of experience. The way he moves is very different to everybody else but at the same time very similar, they all have different ‘quirks’.  

“It’s nice to see what kind of path he takes us on and what he tells us to do, and it all ties together.” 

Mattie explained that he has really enjoyed the experience so far with Company Chameleon and the skills that he has learnt.  

He said: “Eventually when I’m doing my own professional work, I could try out a few things to begin with, to see my route and what works best for me. But I’m really enjoying it!” 

Mattie is also part of the Company Chameleon youth group and rehearses with them every week, they are currently working on a piece that they hope to perform in Leeds.  

Lisa Cullen, programme leader for Dance, said: “I am delighted that our students have been given this opportunity. Choreography is at the heart of our programme and it has been an invaluable experience for them to witness the creative processes of professional choreographers.”