East London Dance announces new Executive Team

Molly Sanders, Polly Risbridger & Ben Cooper-Melchiors

East London Dance is undergoing a staffing restructure as we prepare to move into our own building for the first time in our 30-year history.

We are delighted to announce that Molly Sanders has joined East London Dance in the brand-new role of Programme Director as part of a newly formed Executive Team; Ben Cooper-Melchiors has taken on the new role of Executive Director; and Polly Risbridger continues leadership of the organisation under the new title of Chief Executive and Artistic Director.

Our new structure headed by this Executive Team will ensure we are able to deliver on our ambition, adapt and develop our programme, business and operational models, and stay resilient and flexible for the future, as we move into our new home.

Molly, who joins us after previously working for Sadler’s Wells, Southbank Centre, Dance Umbrella and most recently the Grec Festival in Barcelona, will creatively and strategically oversee all of the organisation’s programmes. Combining participation, artist development and event production under the leadership of a Programme Director, supports a more joined up, coherent approach to our work and creates even better connections and pathways across all of our activities and programmes.

“I have long admired East London Dance’s commitment to its local community, to innovation and to artist development. I am delighted to be joining at this pivotal time in the organisation’s growth as we prepare to move into our own home.” Molly Sanders

Ben, who has previously worked for Young Vic and Battersea Arts Centre and been General Manager at East London Dance since 2015, will take on the new role of Executive Director. This allows us to grow the operational and commercial side of the organisation as we expand into the new building, with all the new opportunities and challenges that creates.

With the support of Ben, Molly and the rest of the dedicated East London Dance team, Polly, as Chief Executive and Artistic Director will continue to lead the organisation into the next exciting phase of evolution, encompassing dance leadership, performances and events, artist and producer development, and participation for people of all ages and experiences; reflecting the energy, diversity and eclecticism of east London.

To meet the full staff team and their new roles visit our About Us page.