Dr Elena Catalano
- Kingston School of Art
- Department of Performing Arts
- School of Arts
- Penrhyn Road
Senior Lecturer in Dance
About
I am a dance scholar interested in the historical and anthropological study of movement and performance practices.
In particular, I look at the transnational circulation of dancers and dances and research how this impacts identity and belief. I am interested in investigating the interplay between socio-political conditions and subjective embodiment and experience. I mainly focus on South Asian dance, but have done research also on African and European traditional dances. I have extensive experience in ethnographic methods.
I joined Kingston University Dance Department in 2014 and I teach dance anthropology, ethnography, post-colonial theories, research methods, as well as Indian classical dance (odissi) technique and yoga across all levels. I am currently interested in spirituality and wellbeing in dance.
Qualifications
- PhD Ethnochoreology/Ethnomusicology, Durham University (2010–2014) (fully-funded by Durham University)
- MA Dance Cultures, Histories and Practices, University of Surrey (2009–2010) (partially-funded by Surrey University)
- MA in Cultural Management, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (2008–2009) (fully-funded by Bollenti Spiriti Puglia)
- MA in Anthropological Theories and Methods, Universita' La Sapienza (2005–2007)
- BA in Anthropological Theories and Methods, Universita' La Sapienza (2001–2004)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy