Ruth Pethybridge

Dr. Ruth Pethybridge is a Senior Lecturer in Dance at Falmouth University, where she has been since 2013. She holds a PhD from the University of the Arts London (2017), an MA in Dance Cultures from the University of Surrey (2008), a BA in Dance from the University of Leeds (2000), and a Foundation in Dance Movement Therapy and Education from Dance Voice Bristol (2004). Her work bridges choreography, research, and community engagement, emphasizing inclusivity and collaborative practices.

Research interests include the politics of participation, relational choreography, social dancing, and embodiment. She leads Dance Research at Falmouth (DR@FT), fostering interdisciplinary dialogue among staff, students, and artists. Recent projects include a movement installation with Rosemary Lee and contributions to Argentine tango and Contact Improvisation practices.

Teaching focuses on community practice, theories of dance, and socially engaged performance. She co-authored Any Age, Any Body, Any Dance (2016) and pioneered Dance for Parkinson's Cornwall (2013). Her work integrates critical theory with embodied practice, addressing cultural contexts and ethical considerations in participatory art.