Why are we embarking on a programme of research? 

At the root of the Russell Maliphant Dance Company is Russell’s unique somatic practice.

Those that have worked with him have a sense that his deep understanding of the anatomical structures within and biomechanics of the moving body enable him to draw out strong, efficient, fluid movements from his dancers, that works with, rather than against, their individual physical structures, whilst increasing their understanding of healthy possibilities and range of articulation over time.

Russell has successfully produced work with dancers who were able to continue working with him beyond their retirement from other dance performance contexts. Indeed, his approach has kept him dancing into his late 50s despite knee surgeries and dancing with no anterior cruciate ligament for 24 years. At RMDC we feel that further scientific investigation of his practice will provide valuable insights that could inform both the training of professional dancers and efforts to keep members of the general population active through creative, physical practice that is kind to the body and encourages ongoing freedom of movement.

The RMDC Research Programme is therefore bringing together researchers from different disciplines in the fields of health, science and the arts, to investigate and build on the academic, educational, and artistic knowledge and understanding of his practice.

The research programme and its findings will be integrated into our programmes of artistic and educational activity and adapted to different learning standards and levels, for national and international audiences/participants. 

Timeline:

2019/20 - R&D, Round Table and partner meetings
2020/21 - Commissioning initial projects
2021/22 - Year 1 of longitudinal study
2022/23 - Year 2 of longitudinal study
2023/24 - Year 3 of longitudinal study 
2024/25 - Evaluation / Dissemination of findings