Corali originated in a Day Centre in Southwark and was founded by one of the centre's social services workers, Virginia Moffat. At that time Corali was a casual dance group, formed as a result of the clients' interest and enjoyment of dance and the arts. The myth is that the name Corali is an anagram of the first letters of the original company members' names. I can't make it fit, but that's the story.

It was clear that the company was very committed, and developed a reputation for engaging and entertaining shows. In 1991, the company received an initial grant of £6,000 from Charity Projects and the company moved away from the day centre and set up independently, based in an office at a local community centre. It was also at this time that Virginia left the company to pursue her own career.

During 1990, Susan Norwood and myself had been volunteers for Corali during on placement year from Dartington College of Arts. In 1991 we had completed our studies and decided to take on the company ourselves - myself as the artistic director and Susan as the choreographer. Our training and interest in arts practice encouraged a new focus for the company and set the way for Corali to develop the high quality professional performance work with which it is associated today.

Sarah Archdeacon
(Artistic Director)