Dance science pioneer Professor Emma Redding appointed VCA Director

The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Melbourne is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Emma Redding as incoming Director of the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Professor Redding joins the VCA from the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in the United Kingdom, where she is currently Head of Dance Science.

Redding originally trained as a dancer before developing a keen interest in dance science and eventually writing the first ever dance science masters degree. She has played a key role in developing dance science as a recognised field of study through her research and international teaching. A founding partner of the UK’s National Institute for Dance Medicine and Science and a Past President and Fellow of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, Redding also sits on expert panels for higher education institutions in Europe, Asia and the United States.

Redding’s accolades don’t end there. Among other things, she is one of the Principal Investigators of a large-scale musicians’ health study funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in the UK and is Co-Investigator of a creativity and imagery study, in collaboration with Plymouth University and Coventry University. In 2017 she was bestowed the Dance Educator Award from the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science.

Redding is looking forward to starting an exciting new chapter in her career in Melbourne.

"The Victorian College of the Arts, together with the Conservatorium of Music, are much admired throughout the world and I feel incredibly privileged to be joining such a vibrant and creative community,” says Redding of her new position.

“Our art forms have a crucial role to play in healing and rebuilding a post pandemic world and I look forward with excitement to playing my part in leadership of the VCA," she says.

Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, Professor Marie Sierra, has also expressed her excitement about Redding’s appointment.

“I am thrilled that Professor Emma Redding will be joining us here at the Faculty. There was a two-stage panel process to find the new Director, and Emma’s formal and informal interview series saw her enthusiastically supported,” says Professor Sierra.

“Emma will bring a vast wealth of experience and expertise to the VCA and our Faculty and we look forward to welcoming her when she commences on the first day of Semester 1, 2022”.

The Faculty is indebted to Professor Jane Davidson, who has been Acting Director of the VCA through a particularly challenging period. Professor Davidson’s dedication to curricula, research and business continuity, and to ensuring positive outcomes for our students and staff has been critical in this time.

Professor Davidson will continue to act in the role until Professor Redding arrives at the start of next year.

• Find out more about the Victorian College of the Arts.