Brendan Keaney OBE

Brendan started his career in 1979 as a freelance dancer, performing with a number of independent dance companies, and has a string of Film, TV, and Theatre credits.  After a ten-year career as performer, teacher and choreographer he moved into Leadership and Management roles.

He is currently Artistic Director and Chief Executive of DanceEast, a leading national dance organisation. He has also held roles as Director of Greenwich Dance, and as the Dance Officer with responsibility for Independent Dance at the (then) Arts Council of England.  

In January 2007, Brendan received the Dance UK Industry Award at the Critics Circle National Dance Awards, and was awarded an OBE in the 2021 New Year Honours List. He has served on numerous Boards and judging panels and is currently Chair of the Bonnie Bird Choreographic Fund.

He is a Member of ASSET, a multiacademy trust of primary schools in Suffolk. He also serves on the Corporation – the Governing Body – of Suffolk New College.