WRITING & RESEARCH
PhD Graduate | Researcher | Published Author
As a PhD graduate, researcher, and published author, I bring a rich academic and professional background to the study and practice of musical theatre, dance, and choreography. Awarded a PhD by the University of Roehampton in 2018, the research focused on the fascinating intersection of authorship and adaptation within the choreographic works of iconic choreographers at MGM Studios. This work offers new insights into the role of choreographers as creative auteurs and their impact on the film musical genre.
PhD Research
My doctoral research, Re-imagining the MGM Musical: Authorship and Adaptation in Film and Stage Musicals, examines the collaborative and individual contributions of choreographers within the context of Hollywood’s golden age, particularly at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). By exploring the works of major choreographers such as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Hermes Pan, Robert Alton and Michael Kidd, I uncovered how choreography contributed to a unique cultural legacy that continues to influence the musical theatre and film industries today.
The PhD thesis serves as a critical contribution to the study of dance in film, offering new perspectives on the artistic and commercial forces that shaped some of the most iconic musical films of the 20th century.
Published Work
I am an active published author, contributing scholarly work that bridges the gap between research and practice. In 2023, I authored a chapter for the book Dance in Musical Theatre: A History of Body in Movement, published by Routledge. This contribution examines the history and evolution of dance and choreography in musical theatre, exploring how choreographic practices have shaped the representation of the human form on stage and screen.
In addition, I have written book reviews for the journal Studies in Musical Theatre, published by Intellect, critically engaging with recent scholarship in the field. These reviews allow me to contribute to ongoing academic conversations about the intersection of musical theatre, dance, and performance studies. In addition i've also written articles about the history of tap dance for the ISTD Dance Magazine.
Current Projects
Currently, I am writing a chapter for the reference volume 50 Musical Theatre Choreographers of Stage and Screen, to be published by Taylor and Francis. This work aims to highlight the major figures in musical theatre choreography and their lasting influence on both the stage and the screen.
In addition to this project, I am developing a Handbook on the Development of Dance and Choreography in Musical Theatre and Film. This comprehensive volume will explore the evolution of dance and choreography across a range of musical theatre and film productions, offering practical insights for educators, choreographers, and researchers.
Conference Papers and Presentations
As a passionate advocate for academic exchange and the dissemination of knowledge, I have presented at several prominent conferences. Some key papers delivered include:
"Gotta Dance: Re-imagining the Film Musical for Stage", presented at Song, Stage and Screen XIV, University of Leeds, June 2019. This paper explored the challenges and creative opportunities involved in adapting the film musical for the stage.
"Berkeley and Kelly: Adapting Dance from Screen to Stage", presented at Adaptation and Dance, De Montfort University, Leicester, March 2016. This paper examined the distinctive approaches of choreographers Busby Berkeley and Gene Kelly in adapting choreographic works from the film screen to the theatrical stage.
"Just a Song and Dance Man: Kelly and Astaire as Auteurs", presented at Song, Screen and Stage X, Regent's College, London, June 2015. This presentation focused on the auteurship of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, exploring their roles not only as performers but as creative directors and choreographers of their own work.
Research Interests and Philosophy
My research interests are grounded in the dynamic relationship between choreography, authorship, and adaptation in the contexts of both musical theatre and film. By exploring the histories and evolving methodologies of choreography, I seek to uncover the ways in which choreographers have shaped the storytelling and aesthetic of musical works. A key focus of my research is how choreography functions not just as a form of movement, but as a means of adaptation and authorship in both the screen and stage environments.
I also have a particular interest in the interdisciplinary connections between dance, musical theatre, and cinema, offering new perspectives on the cultural and historical implications of these art forms.