Learnings from the implementation of performance psychology as a subject within a University dance program

Moyle, Gene DPsych, MPsych, PGDip, BA(Psych/Human Mvt), BA(Dance), DipDance(ABS), ARAD, MAPS. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Similar to the focus on training in the technical, physical and artistic areas of dance, dance professionals, students and educators alike appear to be developing an increased awareness of how important training in psychology is to their success within dance. Over the past 4 years, lectures in performance psychology have been incorporated as part of a compulsory professional skills subject for second and third year students within a University dance program. Within its first year, the performance psychology component focused solely upon standard sport psychology mental skills training. Review of this component identified a need to approach this topic in an alternate manner. Consequently, over the next 3 years the performance psychology component has been reviewed and modified to take a more general psychological approach to introducing dance students to key psychological concepts, knowledge and skills that are applicable both within a dance context (whether as performers, educators, or choreographers), and in their personal lives. The underlying focus of the training has continued to be ?performance psychology?, where performance is identified as results in any area of an individual?s life. This alternate approach has included a basic level of working knowledge regarding how the brain operates, with the aim of providing students with the ability to understand WHY certain mental skills do or do not work. Furthermore, topics have included Introduction to Performance Psychology; Confidence & Coping; CBT for Dancers; Language; Locus of Control; and Goal Setting.  The change in approach and content has been observed to be very successful, both from an objective and subjective viewpoint. The aim of this presentation is to share with other dance medicine professionals and educators the learnings and experiences of implementing performance psychology training into a University curriculum.