022: Russell Maliphant on Dance, Anatomy and the Art of Movement
“Injuries can lead to deeper understanding of movement.”
Russell Maliphant
IIn this episode, Sarah Perry is joined by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Russell Maliphant to explore his remarkable journey through the world of dance. From his classical beginnings to his groundbreaking contemporary work, Russell reflects on how injuries shaped his understanding of movement and deepened his appreciation for anatomy and body mechanics. The conversation delves into his exploration of Rolfing, the creative fusion of anatomy and artistry, and the challenges and rewards of working with dancers across styles. Along the way, Russell shares insights on the lifelong nature of movement practice, his evolving creative process, and his plans for future teaching and workshops. Known for seamlessly integrating flow, energy, light, and music, Russell continues to inspire and redefine what movement-based performance can be.
About Russell Maliphant
Russell Maliphant trained at The Royal Ballet School and graduated into Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet before leaving to pursue a career in independent dance. He danced with DV8 physical Theatre, Michael Clark & Co, Rosemary Butcher and Laurie Booth, with whom he was awarded a Time Out Live award for ‘raising improvisational dance to new heights’.
For more than 20 years he collaborated closely with lighting designer Michael Hulls, evolving a language where movement and light are intimately connected and the meeting point becomes a language in itself and formed Russell Maliphant Company in 1996.
He has worked on independent projects with renowned companies and artists (including Sylvie Guillem, Robert Lepage, Alexander McQueen, Vangelis, Isaac Julian, English National Ballet, Bayerisches Stattsballet, Balletboyz, and Lyon Opera Ballet) and many commercials (including, Spotify, Lexus, Audi and Lucozade).
Somatic approaches have informed both his teaching and choreographic work for many years with studies continuing alongside his independent dance career. Starting with anatomy, massage, physiology and biomechanics, and continuing with Foundations of Bodywork at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado, he qualified as a practitioner of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration and kept a practice in this fascial technique through both individual therapy and group classes.
Further education took him into Mastery and Mentorship programs with physiotherapist Dave O’Sullivan, and Phase 1 of Integrated Kinetic Neurology before beginning studies with Gary Ward (author of ‘What The Foot’ and founder of Anatomy in Motion) . He works with individuals for rehabilitation and movement training/education both online and in person and teaches regularly for both dancers and general human movement potential.
Maliphant gained a PhD in 2022 and his work has received numerous awards. He received an OBE in 2024 and has been a Sadlers Wells Associate sine 2005.
Links
Website Russell Maliphant Dance Company
Instagram @russellmaliphantdancecompany
Online and In Person workshops What's On — Russell Maliphant Dance Company
References:
Royal Ballet School
Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet - now; Birmingham Royal Ballet
Practitioners mentioned: DV8, Llyod Newson, Kenneth McMillan, Scott Clark, Michael Clark, Tom Myers, Michael Hulls, Dana Fouras
Dr Ida Rolf Institute, Boulder, Colorado
Gary Ward - Anatomy in Motion
Chapters
Introduction to Movement and Dance
Russell's Journey in Dance and Choreography
Injuries as Learning Experiences
Understanding Rolfing and Body Mechanics
The Intersection of Anatomy and Creativity
Working with Dancers and Movement Patterns
Transitioning Between Dance Styles
Exploring Movement Techniques
The Long-Term Journey of Movement
Future Endeavours and Teaching
To get in touch with Sarah visit www.sarahperrymovement.com and follow @sarahperrymovement on Instagram.
To get in touch with Stephen visit www.stephenmoynihan.net and follow @stmoynihan on Instagram.