Ashley Brain, PhD
Stott Pilates Certified Instructor

​Ashley Brain (née McGill), PhD, FHEA
 
I began dancing at a young age and trained intensively in ballet and contemporary techniques throughout my childhood. I grew more interested in issues around safe and healthy dance practices during my BA degree at the University of Calgary where I studied a BA (hons) degree in dance with a major in ballet in conjunction with the School of Alberta Ballet. During this time I gained my first Stott Pilates qualification in teaching mat work and discovered dance science and the existing opportunities to study further in this field. This brought me to the UK where I studied my MSc in Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and worked as a graduate intern thereafter for 2 years.  
 
After my time at Trinity Laban I began teaching on the BA programme at University of Roehampton where I became Senior Lecturer in Dance and Dance Science. My teaching focused primarily on ballet and topics under the dance science umbrella including anatomy, biomechanics, conditioning, psychology and somatic education. Across these modules I also incorporated Pilates conditioning for the dancers helping to improve core stability and postural control. Across the past 20 years I have continued my professional development with Stott Pilates and in 2023 I gained further teaching qualifications in mat and reformer work. 

My academic research has focused primarily on 'Dance for Health' and in particular dance for people with Parkinson’s. In 2016 I completed my PhD entitled, ‘Living with Parkinsonism: does dance help improve the quality of movement, functions and everyday activities?’ This research was done in conjunction with English National Ballet and their Dance for Parkinson’s programme. Across my academic career I have presented at a variety of international conferences including annual conferences held by the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) and continue to publish research in the field.