Maria graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 2012 with an MSc with Distinction in Dance Science.
Maria first trained at The Central School of Ballet for five years, followed by three years at London Studio Centre where she gained a Diploma in Theatre Dance, then a year at London Contemporary Dance School, graduating in 2002 with a Post Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Dance.
International Association of Dance Medicine and Science
Maria has extensive teaching experience in secondary, further and higher education, teaching GCSE, A-level and BTEC dance as well as being an external examiner for the AQA Board for 4 years. Maria is currently a Visiting Lecturer at The University of Wolverhampton teaching BA Dance.
Maria regularly teaches professional dance classes with her company, Pasgetti, which is the company in residence at The Performance Hub, The University of Wolverhampton.
Maria taught on the DanceXchange’s Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) from 2008-2013 and was subject leader on The DanceXchange’s unique ‘Making Choreographers’ project.
Maria founded and directed The Cambridgeshire County Youth Dance Company (CCYDC) in 2004 before being appointed G8ways Dance Artist in Residence (G8way is a technology based project, using media to engage young people in dance).
Blundell-Palethorpe, M., Hawkey, A., Northfield, J., and Wyon, M. (2012). The validity of measuring flexibility in dancers using the sit and reach test. Proceedings of British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) 27th Annual Biomechanics Interest Group Meeting. BASES: S30
International Association of Dance Medicine and Science Conference in Seattle, 2013.
Blundell-Palethorpe, M., Predictors of performance: Balance and flexibility.
Maria’s film work has been screened at many international film festivals.
Mene - New Vibes, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham | July 07
A duet for two men performed by Bare Bones dancers Omar Gordon and River Carmalt. The Mene DVD is currently being used for educational work in schools.
duration 8 min, mini-DV, colour, stereo, 16x9 anamorphic
Birmingham City Council - The Patrick Centre, Birmingham | Mar 07
A commission by the BCC to create a piece of dance to be used by the council and performed at stakeholder meetings. Filmed by 2020 productions to raise the profile of ‘Business Transformation’ within the council nationwide.
duration 6 min, mini-DV, colour, stereo, 16x9 anamorphic
This is Fenland | May 05
This is Fenland, commissioned by The Junction in Cambridge, with participation from the Arts Council. The film is homage to Fenland, this unique region of England, captured through contemporary dance. A short dance film for Fenland District Council using young dancers from Fenland. A G8way film.
duration 6 min, mini-DV, colour, stereo, 16x9 anamorphic
Fi Fi Field | Oct 03
Fi Fi Field is an inventive 2 min dance film that turns a simple storyline into a dance concept. Or is it the other way around? A short dance film for Fenland District Council using students from surrounding villages. A G8way initiative incorporating new technology.
duration 2 min, mini-DV, colour, stereo, 16x9 anamorphic
M.'s Little Nightmare - Dance On Screen | Sep 02
M's Little Nightmare threads a fine line between drama and dance. It was conceived and choreographed specifically for the camera and executed in one single take. The film premiered at the Dance on Screen Festival, in London and has since been invited to several other festivals (Norway, Australia, Greece, UK). Today, it can also be found on the shelves of the Videothek in the Tanzarchiv of the Köln City Library.
duration 1 min, mini-DV, colour, stereo, 16x9 anamorphic
Maria is the Artistic Director and Choreographer for Pasgetti Dance Company, which she founded in 2002.
Maria has performed all over the UK and worked with a number of exciting choreographers such as Richard Alston, Henri Oguike, Jonzi D and Raphael Bonacella. Maria has toured nationally with Intoto Dance Company and has also toured with the ‘DAiR To...’ company from 2005-2008.
