Riverside College’s very own Matthew Bourne

Riverside College lecturer is celebrating after being personally invited to complete a Masters degree with the University of Malta.

Programme Area Leader for Vocational Performing Arts, at Riverside College Stephen Musa is the only person in the UK to be offered a place and one of only ten people in the world to be selected to complete the Masters degree in Performance Studies (Dance), Choreography and Technology. Stephens ex tutor Professor Jo Butterworth former Head of Dance at the University of Leeds Bretton Hall Campus personally invited Stephen onto the course which will be taught by world class choreographer Mavin Khoo, Prof Jo Butterworth and Dr. Lorna Sanders.

Prof Jo Butterworth said, “I was very thrilled when Stephen accepted the offer and that Riverside College is allowing him to participate in this unique opportunity, I am excited about having someone like him on the course”.

Stephen added; “I was flattered to be asked and now I can’t wait to get started. Jo and I are already looking at performance opportunities for Riverside Dance students in Malta. The college has been extremely supportive throughout and I owe them a massive thank you.”

After leaving Elliott Clarke Theatre School in Liverpool as a full time student, with outstanding grades, Stephen enrolled on the BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts at Riverside College achieving Distinctions before gaining his Degree in Dance from The University Leeds, Bretton Hall Campus, were he achieved the highest marks in his year for choreography.

Following University, Stephen worked with the Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company in London for three years facilitating educational workshops and teaching repertoire. He has also worked with the Balbir Singh Dance Company and Darkin Ensemble.

Tragically, whilst rehearsing for a performance, Stephen had an accident which left him with 3 pins in his left knee. He applied for a part time teaching post at Cronton Sixth form College in 2005 and became a full time in 2008, this was followed by becoming Programme Area Leader and Course Leader for the BTEC in Dance 2009.

Stephen said; “Dancing is my life, I make sure I deliver the highest standard of dance in the borough of Halton, nurturing highly creative and technical dancers. This year on the BTEC National Diploma in Dance students are going to John Moores University, Kingston University in London, East London University all studying dance.”

Maxine Mealey, Manager of Creative and Performing arts at Riverside College said, “As Programme Area Leader for Performing Arts Stephen inspires and motivates students to strive for excellence. He is an exceptional dancer who ensures all of his students achieve their goals both academically and professionally.”

As well as teaching, Stephen has taught workshops for Halton Borough Council, The Northern School of Contemporary Dance, The Place in London, which is the UK’s premier centre for contemporary dance and Laban Contemporary Dance Conservatoire which is one of the world’s finest centre’s for the training of professional contemporary dance artists.

As well as teaching Stephen also runs his own dance company called Kismet Dance Theatre, were he is the Artistic Director. His company has run dance workshops across the country and toured the UK, performing in Halton’s own Brindley Arts Centre, Waterside Performance Centre in Manchester and The Clockhouse in Leeds.