Louisa Petts

Thesis title:

The wellbeing of an ageing dancer: an enquiry into the experience of community dance practice in older adult populations

My research interests centre around community dance and its potential to impact basic psychological needs, social wellbeing and self-percieved identity amongst older adult populations. My ideas aim to focus on whether familiarity with dance style or genre and previous experience of dance can impact participant experience.

Research Area

Dance

Memberships

2020 - present: People Dancing: the Foundation for Community Dance

Education

2019, Master of Science - MSc, Dance Science, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Distinction

Dissertation topic: An exploration into the experience of family caregivers for persons with dementia in community dance classes
Module topics: Physiology, Biomechanics, Psychology, Somatic Practice, Statistics and Research Methodologies

2018, Bachelor of Arts - BA, Dance Studies, University of Roehampton, First Class Honours

Dissertation topic: Using dances created under the Nazi Regime 1933-1945 as a case study, what issues arise in relation to ethics?
Module topics: Dance History, Dance Philosophy and Aesthetics, Dance Science, Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Dance Culture and Society, Limón technique, Graham technique, Dance Improvisation and Composition
Dance Programme Representative for the University of Roehampton Dance Department (2015-2018)
Vice President of Roehampton Dance Society (2017-2018)
Artistic Director of Dance Platform in aid of The Amici Dance Theatre Company where over £2,000 was raised (2016-2017)

Awards and Scholarships

2020, Midlands4Cities Arts and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Studentship Award, Coventry University

2018, Trinity Laban Dance Award Scholarship, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

2018, Best Dissertation Prize for BA in Dance Studies, University of Roehampton

2014, Grade 6 Reading for Performance, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

2013, Grade 8 Speaking Verse and Prose, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art