In Conversation with Ruth Way: Exploring Somatic Movement and the Power of Dance

As part of the Let’s Dance campaign this spring, which celebrated the power of movement to bring people together, we explored the unique ways dance shapes communities in Plymouth. From professional companies to grassroots initiatives, dance is a powerful tool for self-expression, connection, and storytelling. We spoke with Ruth Way, Associate Professor in Dance, Theatre and Performance at the University of Plymouth, about her work in dance and somatic movement practice, and how movement can foster well-being, inclusivity, and creativity across generations.

Dance is often seen as an art form that focuses more on aesthetic virtuosity but for Ruth Way, Associate Head of School Performing Arts at the University of Plymouth, dance is also about something deeper: moving into connection with self and others, nurturing well-being, and developing our creativity and self-agency in our lives. 

With a career spanning performance, research, and education, Ruth has dedicated her work to making dance accessible to all. Her expertise in somatic movement education, applied dance practices, and screendance has led to collaborations with leading researchers and institutions in arts and health. Through her practice led research and teaching, she continues to explore the impact of somatic movement to support mobility, increase self-awareness, and foster community and social connection. Bracken Jelier sat down with Ruth to discuss her journey, her current projects, and why dance is for everyone.

A Career Rooted in Movement

Ruth’s background is deeply rooted in dance, "I trained in contemporary dance and performance, and that training has grounded me in my work and research, it taught me about embodiment, resilience and the importance of experimentation and using our imagination to create what’s next and seeing what’s possible!” Ruth explains. "As I journey with my body, my focus has shifted to somatic movement education and the research area of arts and health. I’m passionate about raising awareness of the role movement can play in our lives and for dance being accessible and inclusive for everyone, especially in ways that support well-being and mobility."

Ruth is a certified and registered somatic movement educator through Eastwest Somatics Institute ( USA) and trained with Sondra Fraleigh.  She is a practical dance scholar researching the application of somatic movement arts practice in therapeutic settings. Her passion for inclusivity has driven collaborations with colleagues in health sciences, including Dr. Sophia Hulbert, whose work focuses on dance for Parkinson’s, and Dr. Feisal Subhan in biomedical science and human physiology. Together, they have been researching the effects of dance and somatic movement practices for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Understanding Somatic Movement

A key element of Ruth’s work and creative practice is somatic movement, a term that may not be familiar to everyone. She explains:

"Somatic movement practice fosters awareness of the interiority of our body, what is felt and sensed and is therefore grounded by experiential values and human development. It involves sensing and listening to how our body feels and with the aim to sustain being in movement throughout our lives. It encourages self-awareness and adaptability so that we can find new movement pathways and expression. It uses visual imagery and creative methods for participants to engage with their bodies in a way that is freeing and non-judgmental. For those living with mobility issues, including those with Parkinson’s, somatic movement practice has shown to be incredibly beneficial."

"It’s about empowerment, developing self-care, self-agency and listening with heart." Ruth says, “Valuing every attempt and even the smallest of movement matters, moving without judgement can help us to regain a sense of self and purpose in our lives."

The Power of Dance for Well-being

In partnership with AgeUK Plymouth, Ruth has delivered a series of seated somatic movement arts workshops designed to support well-being, self-care, and social connection. These sessions cater to individuals with a range of mobility challenges, wheelchair users and those with neurodegenerative conditions.

"We discuss how dance can help us to reclaim space and sense of self and our identity," Ruth says. “Dance, especially when approached through a somatic approach can activate our imagination, it encourages a sense of play and enjoyment, which is so important for well-being." The goal is not only to support physical movement but also to enhance confidence and increase social interaction and empathic exchange between us.”

"Dance is about communication," Ruth explains. "We use space, rhythm, gesture, voice and song to connect and interact with others in the circle. In these workshops, we create a sense of ensemble and community, and of belonging. We work together, listen to each other, and co-create movement phrases and improvisational structures which support the principle that nothing needs to be fixed, it can always change. The social aspect is as important as the focus on the physical elements for it builds this sense of purpose in the group and where everyone is actively contributing and engaged. The movement and vocal work  affirms our physical presence in the room and we become much more visible!”

A Journey Through Dance

Ruth’s own journey in dance began with an inspirational teacher, Molly Penn, who was one of the first students from Devon to train at the London School of Contemporary Dance when the School started.

"I was 16 when I joined her contemporary dance troupe ‘Portable Dance’," Ruth recalls. "We performed in museums, theatres and even created a dance film on location at a North Devon beach funded by the Gulbenkien Foundation. It was an incredible experience, and I knew I wanted to pursue dance further. I also have a vivid memory of watching on television with my dad Pina Bausch’s Rite of Spring " filmed at Sadlers Wells and we were both completely blown away”.

She went on to train at the London School of Contemporary Dance, specialising in contemporary dance techniques, particularly the Martha Graham technique. Her training experiences at Dartington College of Arts also played a crucial role in shaping her approach to movement.

“Dartington was a hub for postmodern dance practitioners. I was exposed to different ways of moving and thinking about dance and these experiences prepared me for the next stages of my career.” 

She went on to perform, teach and choreograph with Dublin Contemporary Dance and on returning from further training in New York joined Earthfall Dance, Wales, directed by Jim Ennis and Jessica Cohen and toured internationally with the company for several years before joining the University of Plymouth. 

“One of the biggest lessons I learned was that dancers are not just performers but creators and co-collaborators. Movement comes from within—it is an expression of the self."

This philosophy is at the heart of her work today. Whether through research, performance, or community engagement, Ruth’s goal is to make dance meaningful and accessible to all.

Looking Ahead

Ruth continues to explore new ways of integrating dance with health and well-being initiatives such as her intergenerational community dance film projects. She remains committed to somatic movement education and ensuring that movement and dance in our lives really matters and is accessible to all . 

“Dance can be used to improve mental health, support mobility, and foster social connection. It can be playful, expressive, and deeply empowering, it connects us to self and moves us into connection with others and our environment ."

Her work with AgeUK Plymouth is just one of many initiatives she hopes will inspire people to keep moving and being creative in their lives.  Whether through research, teaching, or performance, Ruth’s message is clear: dance is for everyone, and movement has the power to transform lives.