Michelle Man: A Visionary Leader in Dance Education and Choreography
When discussing pioneering figures in contemporary dance and education, Michelle Man stands out as a beacon of creativity, dedication, and influence. As a Senior Lecturer in Dance at Edge Hill University, her career spans more than three decades, encompassing an impressive body of artistic work, teaching excellence, and leadership within the performing arts sector. This article explores the journey, contributions, and accolades of Michelle Man, highlighting her remarkable role in the world of dance and higher education.
The Journey of Michelle Man: From Dancer to Senior Lecturer
Michelle Man’s artistic and academic journey is as inspiring as it is extensive. Of British-Asian heritage, Michelle has blended her rich cultural background with a profound passion for dance to create a unique and compassionate approach to teaching and choreography.
Her professional dance career began in Madrid, Spain, where she spent over two decades managing and directing her own dance company, Michelle Man and Friends. Her company earned acclaim and multiple commissions from government institutions and cultural bodies, recognising her as a leading figure in contemporary dance. During this period, Michelle also worked extensively as a choreographer, dancer, and artistic director, collaborating with some of the most prestigious names and companies in Spain and internationally.
In 2012, Michelle returned to the UK and began her tenure as a Senior Lecturer in Dance at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, England. At Edge Hill, she has combined her practical experience with academic rigour, mentoring students and fostering an environment where creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration thrive.
Academic Contributions and Teaching Philosophy
Michelle Man’s academic influence extends well beyond the classroom. Her teaching philosophy is centred around nurturing students’ ownership of their artistic skills and encouraging the development of a confident, creative voice. She promotes interdisciplinary practices, drawing on her extensive background working with architects, composers, musicians, circus artists, and designers to enrich her students’ learning experiences.
Her dedication to pedagogy is reflected in her role as an External Examiner at the University of West London and the National Centre of Circus Arts, University of Kent. These positions underscore her commitment to maintaining high standards in dance education across institutions.
Michelle is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), a recognition of her outstanding contributions to teaching and learning in higher education. Her portfolio demonstrates how she has influenced professional practice not only within her university but in wider educational contexts.
Education: Foundation of Excellence
Michelle Man’s academic qualifications are a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. She holds a PhD in Dance from the University of Surrey, where her thesis, Light and the Choreographic: Dancing with Tungsten, was supervised by Dr Rachel Hann and Dr Adam Alston. This research reflects her interest in exploring the interplay between light and movement—a theme that resonates throughout her creative and academic work.
Additionally, she earned a Master’s degree in Making Performance from Edge Hill University, graduating with distinction. Her early dance training took place at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School, which laid a solid technical and artistic foundation for her career.
Honors and Awards: Recognition of Excellence
Michelle Man’s outstanding contributions to dance and education have been recognised through numerous awards and honours throughout her career.
In 2017, she was nominated for the Premio Max Best Choreographer award. The Premio Max is widely regarded as Spain’s equivalent to the Tony or Olivier Awards, highlighting the significance of this nomination. She earned this accolade for her work with the acclaimed Catalonian contemporary circus company eia, underscoring her influence in innovative choreography and performance.
Further, in November 2021, Michelle was named One Dance UK’s Most Inspirational Dance Lecturer. This prestigious award acknowledges her exceptional role as an educator who inspires and supports the next generation of dance artists. The award was given after an expert panel reviewed more than a thousand nominations, a testament to her reputation within the UK dance community.
She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, awarded in June 2025, reflecting her leadership in educational practice across global contexts.
Michelle completed the Aurora Women in Leadership programme in 2020, a leadership development initiative that supports women in advancing to senior roles in higher education. This aligns with her ethos of compassion, inclusivity, and celebration of diversity, particularly in leadership.
Moreover, she earned an ILM Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management, further demonstrating her skills in managing improvement, leading innovation, and sustaining organisational growth.
Professional Roles Beyond Edge Hill University
Apart from her role at Edge Hill, Michelle continues to engage with the wider performing arts and education community.
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External Examiner Roles: Since October 2021, Michelle has served as an External Examiner at the University of West London. She is also a contract External Examiner at the National Centre of Circus Arts, University of Kent, since 2019. These roles involve overseeing academic standards and providing impartial advice to maintain and improve the quality of dance and circus arts education.
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Artistic Direction and Choreography: Michelle remains active as the Artistic Director of her company Michelle Man and Friends, a position she has held since 1996. Through this company, she continues to create and perform internationally, integrating circus arts and contemporary dance in innovative site-specific and theatre contexts.
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Theatre and Circus Projects: Michelle’s work includes choreography and assistant directing at Teatro Circo Price in Madrid for multiple Christmas seasons and the international creation project Crece, further highlighting her expertise in collaborative, multidisciplinary performance.
The Impact of Michelle Man on Dance Education at Edge Hill University
At Edge Hill University, based in Ormskirk, Michelle Man has profoundly shaped the dance curriculum and student experience. Her extensive professional background enhances the Performing Arts department’s ability to foster creativity, interdisciplinary work, and a strong connection to the industry.
Her approach encourages students to develop not only technical skills but also critical thinking and artistic confidence, preparing them for successful careers in diverse dance and performance settings.
By cultivating an ethos of compassion and celebrating diversity, Michelle has created an inclusive educational space that respects cultural heritage and individual expression. This ethos reflects her personal heritage and professional philosophy, enriching the university’s academic community.
Conclusion
Michelle Man is a distinguished figure in the dance world, seamlessly integrating her rich experience as an artist and academic to inspire others. Her leadership at Edge Hill University and beyond demonstrates her unwavering commitment to advancing dance education and pushing creative boundaries.
Through numerous honors, groundbreaking choreography, and transformative teaching, Michelle continues to leave an indelible mark on the performing arts sector. Her story is one of dedication, innovation, and an enduring passion for dance that uplifts and connects communities worldwide.
