We are delighted to announce that Russell Maliphant has gained his PhD from Canterbury Christ Church University, under the supervision of Dr Angela Pickard (Reader in Dance Education). Russell is the first choreographer ever to gain a PhD by publication as choreography.

Russell’s PhD study is a critical examination of influences, dance and movement techniques, and methods of making his choreographic work, as research methodologies. It examines, as a critical commentary, in the context of literature, knowledge of body as experiential anatomy and physiology applied to classical, contemporary and somatic dance vocabularies, in the making of choreography. The translation and reflection of these methods of making are investigated through: thinking through the body as embodied, aesthetic experiences, development as an artist and artistry as performed choreography. Three published works as original choreography: Two, Push and Silent Lines, constitute a coherent contribution to knowledge at the forefront of dance choreographic practices. 

“I’m very happy to have received my PhD from Canterbury Christ Church University. It was a process outside of the norm of my dance/choreographic practice that was a personal and professional challenge that I have found rewarding and stimulating. It has challenged me to analyse WHAT is in my process and WHY - stimulating me to examine deeper the aesthetic implications of a lot of the bodywork principle that I apply to dance/movement practise and their relevance to dance”. Dr Maliphant

The research aims to offer an examination of ‘body theories’, embodiment and reflective practice as an artist making choreographic works. It explores current research into fascial anatomy and fascial architecture and considers this knowledge in relation to somatic practice and dance choreography, particularly in relation to the flow of movement. This is particularly informed by the work of Thomas W. Myers who is a leader in the field of fascial research, and Ida Rolf. In light of this research, ways in which this understanding of science has been applied through somatic practices and dance choreography is discussed and presented as practice.

Russell hopes this will ultimately encourage discussion in the wider dance community, of which he has been a part professionally for some 40 years now.

“My hope is that the ongoing development of movement language, movement quality, and connection - informed by the ever-developing knowledge in bodywork - can become an organising factor in the development of new practices that will develop strength, variability, range and dynamics and be part of a movement that stimulates growth, a deepening of knowledge and understanding of the health and aesthetic implications of movement, as it continues to be creatively challenged, diversified and developed." Dr Maliphant