Lucy Guerin Inc is delighted to announce the appointment of acclaimed choreographer Melanie Lane as incoming Artistic Director & Co-CEO, commencing January 2027. Lane’s connection to LGI runs deep and she now returns to lead it into its next chapter, succeeding founding Artistic Director Lucy Guerin, who departs at the end of 2026 after 25 years at the helm.
“I am delighted to welcome Melanie Lane as the new Artistic Director of Lucy Guerin Inc. I have always admired Melanie’s work, and with her inventive and distinct choreographic voice, her international reputation and her deep engagement across the dance sector, she is the perfect fit for the role. I look forward to her daring artistic practice, bold collaborations and visionary leadership shaping the next stage of the company’s future.” — Lucy Guerin, Founding Artistic Director
“I’m deeply honoured to be stepping into the role of Artistic Director and Co-CEO in 2027. It’s a gift to have the opportunity to lead the company into a bold new creative era, acknowledging Lucy’s extraordinary 25-year legacy and the remarkable body of work that has supported and championed so many artists, including myself. I feel privileged to build on this enduring home for dance, and I’m excited to work alongside the staff, Board and artists to shape a rigorous and adventurous program for the future.” — Melanie Lane, Incoming Artistic Director
“The Board is thrilled to welcome Melanie Lane as LGI’s incoming Artistic Director. Her practice is ambitious, collaborative and internationally recognised — exactly the kind of distinctive artistic voice we hoped to find, and the Board is confident she’ll take LGI into an exciting new chapter.” — Peter Jopling, LGI Chair
The company will also take on a new name from the start of 2027.
About Melanie Lane
Melanie Lane is a multi-award winning choreographer and performer of Anglo/Javanese cultural heritage. She works across visual arts, theatre and music, presenting at festivals and theatres in Europe, Indonesia, the United States and Australia.
Alongside national and international commissions including Sydney Dance Company, Chunky Move and HAU Berlin, her collaborations extend to artists including Adena Jacobs, Marrugeku/Bhenji Ra, Leyla Stevens, Monica Lim and UK musician Clark.
Her choreographic work for theatre and opera includes English National Opera’s Salome, Burgtheater’s Trojan Women and Nosferatu, and Schauspiel Köln’s Die Orestie, directed by Adena Jacobs.
Melanie was Choreographer in Residence at Chunky Move, Resident Artist at The Substation, resident director at Lucy Guerin Inc, Associate Artist at QL2, a Creative Australia Fellow and Sidney Myer Fellow. She is Chair of the Board at Dancehouse, Melbourne.
Melanie leads the initiative Corps Conspirators, supported by Creative Victoria, exploring collaborative choreographic practices, multi-artform experimentation and transcultural experience.