044: What Makes a Great Performer? with Tom English
"The essence of performance for me is storytelling. I think the stories that move people the most are the ones that are told with a degree of lived experience. And so when we're young often I think we try to approximate that."
TOM ENGLISH
In this episode of the Shapes in Motion Podcast, Stephen Moynihan is joined by Tom English, Artistic Director, lecturer, and specialist in performance psychology and training methodologies. Tom reflects on his journey from dance training and performance into research and teaching, drawing on experiences with immersive theatre company Punchdrunk, choreographer Wim Vandekeybus, and his own company, Ferus Animi//Terra Nova.
Together they explore the question: what makes a great performer? The conversation spans dance science, neuroscience, mindfulness, storytelling, and performance psychology, examining how these disciplines can help performers develop presence, authenticity, and adaptability. Tom shares insights into collaboration, creative practice, and the importance of understanding both the science and artistry behind exceptional performance.
This episode is packed with practical insights for performers, movement practitioners, educators, and anyone curious about the art and psychology of performance.
Tom’s Bio:
Originally from Oxford, Tom is an established teacher and artistic director working internationally at the intersection of movement, dance and the behavioural sciences. He is perhaps best known for his work exploring neuroscience and cognition and how they relate to movement training, perception and performance. He is the founder of movement research collective Ferus Animi // Terra Nova, a former Associate Director for immersive theatre giants Punchdrunk, Course Leader of the MA Dance: Performance programme at London Contemporary Dance School | The Place and a member of faculty at the Oxford School of Drama.
Tom is an alumnus of Rambert (Foundation Degree), London Contemporary Dance School (BA Hons in Contemporary Dance) and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (MSc Dance Science). He holds academic certifications in Neuroscience and Sports Performance from Barça Universitas and is a current Master of Studies student at the University of Oxford, studying Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy.
Chapters
Tom English's dance education journey
Early influences and social stigma around boys dancing
Transition to vocational training and move to London
Challenges with ankle condition and sports injuries
Surgical intervention and time off from dance
Travel and exploration of movement practices in Africa and South America
Return to dance training and early performance career
Reflections on age, maturity, and technical development
Storytelling, lived experience, and performance authenticity
The importance of curiosity and letting go in performance
Training as an athlete versus artist and audience engagement
Collaboration, beginner's mind, and learning from other artists
Studying acting and expanding artistic horizons
Impact of immersive theatre on performance outlook
Creating multi-sensory, spatially dynamic experiences
Audience fragility and designing immersive experiences
Studies in neuroscience, mindfulness, and performance psychology
Imagination, real vs. imagined worlds, and performance
Balancing scientific understanding with artistic mystery
Transition from performer to researcher and musician
Supporting young artists and their development
The importance of perseverance and realistic goals
Building professional skills for a diverse career
What makes a good performer: authenticity and truth
The role of curiosity and continuous learning
Links
Tom English Website- https://www.ferus-animi-terra-nova.org/
Tom English social - @ferus.animi.terra.nova
The Place Website- https://theplace.org.uk/
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.