Meet CYC Dance Leader Mel Knott
CYC Dance is for young performers who want to develop their contemporary dance technique, choreography and performance skills. It is led by Mel Knott, Curve’s Associate Dance Artist.
Find out more about Mel Knott below!
Tell us something about you and your practice:
I have worked as a dance teacher and choreographer for many years, training young dancers to reach their potential in both performance and choreography. Before I moved to work in Leicester I was the Director of Dance at The BRIT School in London. I have taught in many different places, choreographed numerous pieces in contemporary dance and musical theatre and more recently worked as a movement director with actors in plays here at Curve.
What can people expect when they join CYC Dance?
An experience of making dance pieces for performance and showcasing these in various events around our city and region. The company uses contemporary dance to underpin its work, but we include many other styles as appropriate. You also have loads of opportunities to see professional work on our stages at Curve and take part in masterclasses with the dancers and choreographers who visit here.
What are you looking for from your students?
Young people with some background in any dance style, a commitment to working co-operatively, and some may also have the desire to begin your progression to becoming a professional performer. There are two CYC Dance groups, and this depends on the amount of dance experience you already have, so if you are wanting to develop your skills this could be a group for you.
What is the best thing about working with CYC?
Everybody is hardworking and enjoys their time together. They commit to extra opportunities, performances, visits and we learn a lot from each other, we have a real company feel and I love seeing everyone achieve their best.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever done?
Too many to name, but if I have to, I think it would have to be creating a piece of work with Nikolai Foster for Leicester Cathedral to be part of Richard III’s re-interment. We put together a community company of 70 different people and created a completely new piece of work for this remarkable building and historic event. Wonderful!
What’s your favourite joke?
I’m rubbish with remembering jokes! What do you a call a man with a spade in his head? Doug!
Contact: melknott@btinternet.com
To find out more about CYC click here