Ranae Keane-Bamsey, M.A.
Educator & Program Consultant
Keane-Bamsey has been sought after to direct programs in Portugal, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and throughout the United States. She has assisted theaters, dance companies, and non profit organizations at the local, regional, collegiate and professional levels.
In her younger years Ranae performed throughout the US, competed at the national level, received full scholarship for her university, performed and choreographed for collegiate dance companies. She continued her interest in performing arts through university and professional studies.
Ranae Keane-Bamsey’s degrees include a B.A. in Dance Theatre, B.A. in Fitness Instruction & Promotion, and a M.A. in Youth and Human Services Administration. Among her many professional credits she has served as the Director of the Young Peoples Dance Theatre, Project Coordinator for Camp Adventure World Services, Division Director for Marching Auxiliaries of America, Director of the UNI Orchesis Dance Company, Founder of the Movement Outlet, Executive Director of Kinetic Energy Schools of Movement & Music, Festival Coordinator of the American College Dance Festival and Artistic Director of RKBCO. For five years Bamsey taught at the University of Northern Iowa as dance faculty, instructing dance technique courses in modern, ballet, jazz, tap and ballroom as well as creative movement for youth, applied choreography, dance performance and wellness courses.
Keane-Bamsey has directed/choreographed/produced two evening length contemporary ballets entitled Nashama, and Romeo & Juliet. Professional, commissioned and college performances of her work includes over 50 original compositions. She has also choreographed musicals, operettas and stage productions of Die Fledermaus, Hair, Singin’ In the Rain, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Guys & Dolls, Carousel, Damn Yankees, The King & I, West Side Story, South Pacific, Once Upon A Mattress, Fiddler on the Roof, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and many madrigals. Over 500 dances make up her choreographic repertory for youth programs, dance studios, and community groups. Most recently Ranae’s choreographic intentions have destined her to collaborate with artist of various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, poetry, stage, film and music. The art film Carving Perspective of the Gesture choreographed and conceived by Bamsey débuted in 2007.
Bamsey has been chosen to adjudicate and judge hundreds of competitions, clinics, and auditions; as well as hired to provide feedback for noteworthy performances. Ranae is recognized as an educator on the Arts Council Artist Roster. Not only does she serve as an artistic counselor, but also as an operations/logistic advisor. Ranae is very active in the local art scene having assisted and served as a consultant for program development on behalf of the YWCA, YMCA, CVSC, CHIPS, USABDA, Dysart Fine Arts Club, Annual Iowa Dance Festival, Hearst Center for the Arts, and the Inclusion Connection.
Keane Bamsey is a published author. Selected writings include, “Dance Education in Non-Profit Organizations and Youth and Human Service Agencies” as first author with Dr. Christopher Edginton, published in IA Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance; “Falling, A Choreographer’s Perspective” as second author with Dr. Sarah-Marie Belcastro, in preparation; “Construction of Tap Gloves and Wheelchair Tap Table for Sit-Down Dancers”, as first author with Ms. Jackie Spece-Heinz, in preparation; and “The Status of Dance Education Programs in Public Leisure Services and Non-Profit Youth Serving Organizations in the State of Iowa” a research study published December 2001.
When not on the road, Ranae resides at home with husband and musician, Duncan Bamsey. Duncan has a Masters in Music-Jazz Pedagogy; plays saxophone, piano, bass, clarinet and flute; as well as restores vintage saxophones. Duncan and Ranae enjoy traveling, reading, attending concerts, hiking, biking, SCUBA diving and water sports in their free time.