MELISSA RAYNE

Outsider Dance Artist

I am an Outsider Dance Artist...

Neurodivergent, disabled, and with dual-heritage, I create anti-patriarchal DanceArt rooted in feminism, the Occult, the art and practices of Ithell Colquhoun, mental health and the Human Condition.

I work as a choreographer, movement director, dancer/performer and workshop facilitator throughout London. Get in touch or find out more.

Supported by Arts Council England, East London Dance, Ugly Duck, Studio Wayne McGregor, Acosta Dance Centre

Diagrams of Love - work-in-progress Trailer

Play Video

Latest Works

Synopsis

REVIEWS

"Working on The Tree of Life with Melissa was a true pleasure, particularly because of the project's inclusive nature. There was a space to play without judgement, a rarity in project settings"

Jan Wood - Dance Artist and Co-Founder of Twofold Dance Theatre

"A superbly acted performance is complemented by six dancers whose fluid contemporary style expresses the emotions of Constanze, physically enhancing the implications of the sung words as her autobiography unfolds. Their presence, skilfully and poetically choreographed by Maria da Luz, acts as a narrative to the story, woven into the action yet not obtruding on it. The added wow factor, though, is that these dancers are also accomplished puppeteers"

Mike Aspen, reviewing 'Constanze', West Green House Opera

"I found Melissa's approach engaging and her instructions were easy to follow. Creativity is born out of chaos.The untangling of clutter both mentally and physically tends to have a calming effect on the mind, body, and soul. I think more people need to be introduced to this idea, as it can be a good way to help reconnect one with oneself and also introduce one to other people. The past three years have been extremely difficult for all, and a class like this will help in the way of bringing fun back into our community"

Milo - Creative Dance Participant

"Melissa is an insightful, amusing and dedicated choreographer and performer. With a unique sense of the world , she remains undaunted in the face of the challenges patriarchal and traditional art-making practices have presented to her creation process."

Aaron Markwell - Choreographer and Founder of Markwell Arts and DANE

Reviews