Lecturer
School of Arts and Humanities
Elsa is a Dance Scientist and Educator based in Ipswich, UK. She gained an MSc with Distinction in Dance Science from TrinityLaban in 2008 and is an Associate of the Higher Education Academy, receiving a distinction in the Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice from the University of Bedfordshire in 2011. Elsa works full time at UCS but also undertakes research projects and teaching work nationally and internationally as part of her academic profile. She works closely with a number of organisations such as the DanceEast Academy (Centre for Advanced Training) and sits on the Regional Dance Advisory Group for Youth Dance England.
The main focus of Elsa’s research is positive psychology in dance training and performance. Elsa presents her research at international conferences, and continues to explore the relationship of flow theory to teaching, learning and physical expertise. This includes undertaking practical research into the application of flow in teaching and learning, examining the impact of flow on participants’ confidence and risk-taking in Contact Improvisation, and working with the Crystal Palace Dive Team to examine the relationship of their elite performance and being in the zone. During 2012, Elsa is working with research partners Film and Video Umbrella, English National Ballet, London Broncos and Akademi on various research projects. She has just published findings regarding children’s participation in creative dance and its impact on physiological health and psychological wellbeing which is downloadable here|. Elsa’s research influences the curriculum at UCS within the Knowing Body modules, but also across the teaching and learning, professional practice and placement modules, as she seeks to examine how positive approaches to personal development can assist in enhancing the employability of graduate students to the workplace.
Until July 2011, Elsa was Lecturer in Dance at the University of Bedfordshire leading modules in Dance Leadership and Entrepreneurship, as well as delivering fitness and dance science-focussed technique classes at undergraduate level. Elsa convened the 1st International Congress in Dance and Health in June 2011 and wrote a new MSc in Dance Science and Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire. Elsa also delivers the Safe and Effective Dance Practice course at DanceEast for the Trinity Examination of the same name.
Elsa has worked in the community, education and professional dance sectors for the last 17 years, including for Norfolk Dance (as Senior Dance Artist), Creative Partnerships, DanceEast, dancedigital, The Royal Ballet and The Birmingham Royal Ballet Education Departments.
Research and Publications:
Bradley, E. (2004). Maximising minds: The body-brain connection. MailOut.
Bradley, E. (2004). Developing Creative Practice with Young People. Creative Partnerships Eastern Region Conference, Great Yarmouth
Bradley, E. (2009). Balancing creativity, safe practice and health in community dance practice. Community Dance Leaders’ Course, Norfolk Dance
Bradley, E. (2009). In the moment: Flow experiences of recreational, vocational and professional dancers. Foundations for Excellence DCSF Music and Dance Scheme Centres for Advanced Training. DCSF Music and Dance Scheme Centres for Advanced Training Conference: Dartington College of the Arts, Totnes, Devon. Conference proceedings available at: http://www.foundations-for-excellence.org/|
Bradley, E., Quested, E. & Wyon, M. (2009). Frequency of flow experiences in recreational, vocational and professional dancers. International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, The Hague, Holland.
Bradley, E. (2010). Positive dancing: The antecedents of recreational, vocational and professional dancers’ flow experiences. Invited conference presentation, Healthy Dancer, Healthy Dance Teacher, Tartu, Estonia.
Akademi South Asian Dance UK [contributing author]. (2011). Inter-action: Exploring best practice for community dance with older adults. London: Akademi.
Bradley, E., Chater, A. & Kozub, S. (2011). Exploring predictors of dance behaviour change amongst Year 6 children. 1st International Congress of Dance and Health, University of Bedfordshire, June 2011.
Spampinato-Korn, A. & Bradley, E. (2011). Understanding physical activity behaviour change in children and adolescents via the Transtheoretical Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour: A literature review. 1st International Congress of Dance and Health, University of Bedfordshire, June 2011.
Bradley, E. & Hunt, S. et al. (2011). Methodological approaches to dance as a healthful activity for children and young people: Movement session. 1st International Congress of Dance and Health, University of Bedfordshire, June 2011.
Bradley, E. & Hewison, J. (2010). Going with the flow: Risk-taking in Contact Improvisation. Bridging the Gaps: Teaching and Learning Conference, University of Bedfordshire.
Urmston, E., Chater, A., Spampinato-Korn, A. & Kozub, S. (2012). Go Dance: Inspiring children to dance to 2012 and beyond: Research Report. Downloadable here|
Urmston, E. & Goodwin, D. (2012) Poised: In the zone: Divers’ flow preparations. International Touring Exhibition, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, July 2012. Film and Video Umbrella/ Wellcome Trust.
Urmston, E., Quested, E. & Wyon, M. (In preparation). Dancing in the moment: Frequency of flow experiences amongst recreational, vocational and professional dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine and Science
Urmston, E. (In preparation). Catching the moment: The antecedents of recreational, vocational and professional dancers’ flow experiences. Theatre, Dance and Performance Trainin