Reinforcement For The Dance Instructor
One important technique dance instructors employ while providing instruction is reinforcement. Reinforcement, i.e., overt approval of desired skills, behaviors, and attitudes, can be used to increase self-confidence and motivation and to develop technical and physical skills. The goal and result of effective reinforcement is to increase the likelihood that a desired skill will be repeated […]
Read MoreConcentration in Dance
Concentration is perhaps the single most misunderstood psychological factor in dance. In fact, in a recent conversation, an elite dancer indicated that she improved her concentration by staring at the second-hand of a watch for an extended period of time. Though she may think she did, most of the theory and research to date suggests […]
Read MoreInformation Feedback in Dance
Perhaps the single most important skill that dance teachers must develop in order to be good instructors is their ability to convey information effectively. During instruction, technical development is only as good as the quality of the information feedback that is provided by the teacher. As a result, consideration should be given to several areas […]
Read MoreStrive For Prime Not Peak Performance
Peak performance is a phrase that is used widely by athletes, coaches, and sport psychologists to describe the level of performance to which athletes should aspire. It is considered to be the best performance an athlete can achieve. When I came out of graduate school that is the goal to which I wanted my athletes […]
Read MoreCommitment and Sacrifice in Dance
Some call it desire. Others call it being hungry. We call it is the Starring Attitude. The Starring Attitude is what separates the best from the best of the rest, the soloist from the company member, the true star from the flash-in-the-pan. We know what the Starring Attitude can do, but what exactly is it? […]
Read MoreSlumpBusting: Overcoming Performance Slumps in Competitive Sports
Performance slumps are one of the most common, yet mysterious, phenomena in sports. Typically viewed as unexplained drops in performances, slumps are a source of concern for athletes and coaches. Despite its visible place in the collective psyche of the athletic community, little is known about the causes or cures for performance slumps. As a […]
Read MoreBurn-Out in Dance: Causes and Relief
Burn-out is a condition that has been recognized in the business and sports world for many years. Considerable time and effort has been spent understanding the causes and effects of burn-out. However, only recently has burn-out been addressed in the performing arts. The significance of and concern over burn-out among dancers has received increasing attention […]
Read MoreOvercoming Slumps in Dance
Perhaps the most mysterious and frustrating experience that dancers must face is the occurrence of a slump. Dancers seem to fall into slumps with no apparent cause and come out of them for equally unclear reasons. Also, there has been no consensus on what causes them or how to cure them. Now, though, SlumpBusting provides […]
Read MoreDo You Have The Mental And Physical Edge?
A difficulty with dealing with mental preparation is that it is not tangible or easily measured. Unlike assessing your physical strength with weight lifting or your speed with a stopwatch, mental skills can not be directly assessed. Mental Edge Profiling helps you identify your psychological attributes to assist you in achieving your best performances. Think […]
Read MoreTeachers Are People Too
Dance teachers are often overworked and underpaid. Considerable attention is paid to difficulties that are experienced by dancers. However, little consideration is given to similar problems that dance teachers must face. Many people simply do not realize that dance teachers are people too. It is important for the mental, emotional, and physical health of teachers […]
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