Dr. Peter Lovatt
Dr Peter Lovatt blends psychology, movement and joy to show audiences how science-backed dance can transform thinking, wellbeing and connection.
Dr Peter Lovatt blends psychology, movement and joy to show audiences how science-backed dance can transform thinking, wellbeing and connection.
Dr Peter Lovatt is a psychologist, former professional dancer and one of the most recognised voices on the science of movement. Often introduced as “Doctor Dance,” he brings more than three decades of research to the stage, showing audiences how the body and brain work together to shape creativity, resilience and human connection. His keynotes are energetic, memorable and grounded in evidence, offering practical insights that help people navigate change, improve communication and enhance wellbeing through the simple act of moving.
Dr Peter Lovatt has built a career at the intersection of psychology, movement and human performance. His journey began not in a laboratory, but on stage. Before entering the world of academic research, he trained in musical theatre and dance at the Guildford School of Acting and went on to work professionally as a performer. This early chapter shaped his deep understanding of how the body communicates, adapts and responds to emotion. It also laid the foundation for the work he would later bring into universities, organisations and global conference stages.
After transitioning into psychology, Peter earned a PhD in cognitive psychology and began exploring how movement influences the way people think, solve problems and connect. He has held academic positions at respected institutions including Cambridge, Essex and Hertfordshire. It was at Hertfordshire that he founded the Dance Psychology Lab in 2008, a pioneering research hub dedicated to studying the science behind dance and dancers. His work has examined how movement affects creativity, problem-solving, self-esteem, hormone regulation and social bonding, as well as its impact on neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
Peter’s research and communication style have made him one of the most prominent figures in the field of dance psychology. His ability to translate complex scientific findings into accessible, joyful experiences has earned him the nickname “Doctor Dance.” His insights have been featured across major media outlets, including BBC, Channel 4, BBC Radio 4 and The Psychologist, and he has shared stages around the world for audiences ranging from corporate leaders to educators and healthcare professionals.
He is also the author of The Dance Cure, named one of The Guardian’s best books of 2020, and Dance Psychology: The Science of Dance and Dancers, both of which explore how movement shapes the brain and behaviour. Alongside these works, he has contributed numerous peer-reviewed articles that continue to influence both academic inquiry and applied practice.
Companies and institutions invite Peter to speak because he brings evidence to life in a way that feels personal, engaging and immediately useful. His keynotes are dynamic experiences built on scientific rigour and infused with humour, energy and practical insight. Every session encourages people to understand themselves and others differently by experiencing how movement changes their state of mind.
Peter works across business, healthcare, education and the arts, helping teams adapt to change and develop resilience in fast-moving environments. Organisations book Dr Peter Lovatt to boost communication, lift mood, encourage creative problem-solving and support mental wellbeing. His approach invites people to reconnect with their bodies as a source of insight and innovation, reminding audiences that movement is a powerful tool for improving human performance at every level.
One section of his keynotes often includes short, accessible movement-based activities. These moments bring science off the page, allowing participants to feel the research rather than just hear about it. They create shared energy in the room, deepen social connection and foster an open mindset that carries through the rest of the event. Peter’s delivery style keeps sessions inclusive, relaxed and enjoyable, ensuring that even those who normally shy away from movement feel confident and involved.
His workshops offer deeper exploration for teams who want to integrate movement-based strategies into their culture or wellbeing programmes. These sessions focus on enhancing communication, lifting group cohesion, supporting mental health and unlocking new ways of thinking.
Booking Dr Peter Lovatt means bringing in a speaker who combines scientific expertise with the enthusiasm of a performer. His blend of research, storytelling and movement creates memorable experiences that leave lasting impact. Whether speaking to thousands at a major conference or guiding a smaller group through a high-engagement workshop, he shows people what decades of science have demonstrated: when we move, we improve.
Peter invites audiences to rethink how they approach challenges, collaborate with colleagues and care for their own wellbeing. His work sits at the crossroads of psychology and physical expression, offering organisations practical pathways to harness the benefits of movement. For events that aim to inspire, energise and shift perspective, Dr Peter Lovatt brings a message that resonates long after the applause ends.
Keynote by Dr. Peter Lovatt:
Discover how movement can transform the way we think. Drawing on the science of dance psychology, this keynote reveals how different movement styles influence creativity, decision-making, and team problem-solving. Through real-world examples and light audience participation, Dr Peter Lovatt shows how physical movement enhances both convergent and divergent thinking, leading to more flexible, innovative teams. Perfect for organisations seeking to spark imagination, adaptability, and fresh approaches to complex challenges.
Keynote by Dr. Peter Lovatt:
Trust, empathy, and collaboration all begin with movement. In this engaging keynote, Dr Peter Lovatt demonstrates how synchronised and shared movement can strengthen team bonds, improve communication, and enhance group performance. Backed by psychological and neuroscientific evidence, it offers practical strategies to weave connection and belonging into everyday working life. Audiences leave energised and inspired to build more cohesive, human, and emotionally intelligent teams.
Keynote by Dr. Peter Lovatt:
Our bodies are powerful tools for emotional regulation and self-awareness. This inspiring session explores the link between physical movement and emotional wellbeing, showing how posture, rhythm, and motion influence mood and interpersonal dynamics. Drawing on decades of research, Dr Peter Lovatt shares simple yet effective techniques for managing stress, increasing empathy, and building emotional intelligence through embodied awareness, a vital skill for thriving in today’s high-pressure workplace.
Keynote by Dr. Peter Lovatt:
Peak performance starts with physiology. In this fascinating keynote, Dr Peter Lovatt uncovers how hormones, heart health, and physical activity influence our thinking, emotions, and workplace productivity. Combining psychology, biology, and movement science, he provides practical insights into why moving more, even in small ways, improves focus, morale, and mental wellbeing. Audiences gain the motivation and understanding to make movement an integral part of their working day.
Keynote by Dr. Peter Lovatt:
From imposter syndrome to performance anxiety, movement can shift how we think and feel about ourselves. This dynamic keynote explores how embodied learning rewires mindset and builds confidence from the inside out. Through powerful storytelling and practical movement science, Dr Peter Lovatt reveals how to use physical expression to overcome self-doubt, unlock potential, and adapt to change. Ideal for teams or leaders navigating growth, transformation, and personal reinvention.
Keynote by Dr. Peter Lovatt:
How do we rebuild ourselves after adversity? This moving and hopeful keynote explores how dance and movement help people recover from trauma, including cancer, loss, and burnout. Dr Peter Lovatt draws on both scientific research and personal experience to show how physical expression can aid emotional healing and post-traumatic growth. It’s a powerful exploration of human resilience, and a reminder that through movement, we can rediscover strength, connection, and hope.
Keynote by Dr. Peter Lovatt:
Step inside the fascinating world of dance psychology. Dr Peter Lovatt, dancer, psychologist, and author of The Dance Cure, reveals how movement shapes human behaviour, from motivation and learning to creativity and connection. Blending science, storytelling, and demonstration, this keynote brings the psychology of movement to life and offers tangible tools for enhancing leadership, communication, and wellbeing. A unique and thought-provoking experience for any audience.
Keynote by Dr. Peter Lovatt:
In this extraordinary keynote, Dr Peter Lovatt explores how dance transforms the brain, even in the face of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Through cutting-edge neuroscience and inspiring human stories, he reveals how rhythm, balance, and coordination stimulate neuroplasticity and resilience. The session offers profound lessons about adaptability, inclusion, and the untapped potential of the human body and mind. A deeply inspiring talk for organisations seeking to nurture innovation and empathy.