Luke Hopper

Luke is a Lecturer, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and co Director of the Dance Research Group at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. He is also President of the Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare

Dr Hopper completed a PhD specialising in the biomechanics of dance and injury prevention at the University of Western Australia’s School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health in 2011. Dr Hopper coordinated the biomechanics module in the pioneering Master’s of Dance Science at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2010 before commencing as a lecturer in biomechanics at the University of Notre Dame Australia. Dr Hopper’s work in dance science and performing arts health has involved several collaborations with international ballet companies such as the Birmingham Royal Ballet and with industry partners Harlequin Floors. Dr Hopper continues to work with the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and the Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare in the development and dissemination of health evidence in preventing injury and illness in performing artists. In his position at ECU, Dr Hopper is developing a health education and research program for the performing arts using his specialised skills in biomechanical 3D motion capture facilities and in collaboration with the WAAPA staff and students.