Professor Hetty Blades
Professor of Dance and Technology
My work explores the philosophical questions that arise through the choreography, capture and control of the moving body via digital media. I joined Falmouth University in the Centre for Blended Realities in November 2025. My recent AHRC Research, Development and Engagement Fellowship, Moving Online examined how the ontology of dance shapes both the legal frameworks and social practices that govern its ownership online. I joined Falmouth University in the Centre for Blended Realities in November 2025, having previously worked in the Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE at Coventry University (2015-2025), where I also completed my PhD (2012- 2015). I hold an MA in Dance Studies from Roehampton University and a BA (Hons) in Dance Theatre from Trinity Laban.
External Links
Qualifications
Qualifications
| Year | Qualification | Awarding body |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | PhD | Coventry University |
| 2010 | MA Dance Studies | Roehampton University |
| 2007 | BA (Hons) Dance Theatre | Trinity Laban |
Research Interests
Research interests and expertise
My current research interests include:
- AI and the moving body
- Philosophies of dance and technology
- Dance and disability
- Dance and law (human rights and intellectual property)
Externally funded research grants
- Blades (PI) Moving Online: Ontology and Ownership of Internet Dance, (AHRC, £246,847.90 FEC)
November 2022 – October 2024 - Ambituuni, A. (PI), Jellason, N. (Co-I), Blades, H. (Co-I) and Sunday, T. (Co-I). Developing an Inclusive Research Network to Co-design Livelihood Recovery Measures for Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) in Nigeria, (AHRC, £59,076 FEC) February 2022- April 2023 - Waldorf (PI), Blades (Co-I) & Sharma (Co-I) Performing/Informing Rights: Right to Information and
- Sustainable Development for Disabled People in Sri Lanka and Nepal, (AHRC, £149,900 FEC) November
- 2021 – July 2023
- Waldorf (PI) & Blades (Co-I) Performing Inclusion: Researching How Mixed-Abled, Community Dance Performances Impact Perceptions Towards Disability, (British Council Sri Lanka, £19,248 FEC) March
2018 – September 2020 - Waldorf (PI) & Blades (Co-I) Performing Empowerment: Dance, Disability and Inclusive Development in Post-War Sri Lanka, (AHRC/ESRC/PaCCS, £99,118.30 FEC) November 2016 – September 2018
- Blades (PI) Researcher in Residence Digital Catapult, (EPSRC, £20,648.40 FEC) May – August 2016
Research Students
Previous student supervision
I have supervised 8 PhD students to completion at Coventry University and University of Lisbon.
Number of research students supervised to completion
8Research degrees examined
I have examined 7 PhD as both internal and external examiner.