Dancers - like those we love to watch on TV - make competition look easy, but new University of Alberta research lifts the curtain on the stresses they face and how they cope.
A study that followed dancers competing in hip-hop and related styles from first rehearsals to their final moments on stage revealed that they felt increasingly pressured by physical demands, competition expectations and conflicting commitments as the season wore on.
The performers found that proactive planning - reflecting on past experiences to help them prepare - built confidence, along with using psychological skills such as self-talk and breath work. A collective sense of self-care encouraged by the entire dance company also enabled them to keep going, but not at the expense of physical or emotional health; they felt supported in taking breaks when needed.
"This challenges the 'push through no matter what' mindset common in high-performance environments," says graduate researcher Ben Sereda, who co-led the study with associate professor Amber Mosewich in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation.
The coping strategies these dancers use could help other athletes, coaches and supporters such as parents, he adds.
"A strong, empowering culture that allows performers to take care of themselves physically and mentally can help form more effective team environments."
