"A sports psychology-performance enhancement program" Health and Fitness, Friedman, M 2005
I found this resource when researching sports-psychology. Although found during a broad search and not specifically related to dance psychology I have found much insight into ways of improving motivation, emotional control and positive self talk, all which can have a profound affect on a performer.
A limitation of this resource is that it is not specific to dancers. On the other hand it relates to 'performers' and the skills which can be developed through supportive and encouraging practice.
It is important to note that it was also written in 2005 and therefore the knowledge could be considered out dated. Despite this, there is currently much support and research into the mentioned skills - Imagery, Simulation, Emotional control, Tracking progress, Etiquette and Working with coaches.
"Dr Friedman is a recreational skater, licensed psychologist, certified school psy-chologist, a professional member of U.S.Figure Skating 's Spons Medicine Society and a dance and singles/pairs test judge. He holds a Certificate of Professional Qualifications from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and is listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology." The author is therefore experienced in his topic and has relevant qualifications to support the legitimacy of the paper.
Introduction
My inquiry will be looking into the physical and psychological support available for injured dancers in professional dance training. To understand the need for support and why dancers can be affected both physically and mentally by injury provides huge scope for research including opinions from psychologists, professional teachers, dancers themselves, health specialists and therapists. In attempt to inform my own practice as a teacher for dancers in vocational training I will look into how teachers can support their injured students. This paper looks into a sports psychology program which aims to improve skills in focusing, motivation, emotional control, imagery and positive self-talk". These are coping methods practiced by other athletes and training facilities and therefore this paper holds great relevance to my inquiry.
Analysis of Literature
The paper highlights six main methods which are integral to the 'Off Ice program at the Ice Zone Boardman Ohio'. This program is aimed at skaters but believed to be of "great assistance to all athletes and their coaches."
Some may have the opinion that dancers are not the same as athletes however for the purpose of this literature review, I will base my analysis upon the view that dancers can be considered athletes.
Imagery skills-
Dancers are taught to see correct movements in their minds, feel those movements and later do these movements. In this program, skaters learn the phrase "see it, feel it, do it". To complement this, progressive relaxation is seen as an "integral part of imagery training and emotional control" through which fantasy guides their entire body. Skaters will practice relaxation sitting or standing and subsequently in a skating position. The same kind of imagery training has been used by dance therapists and teachers as part of psychological support. From speaking to the Head of Dance at a vocational dance school it seems that "the power of imagery is underestimated". Imagery is a way to overcome physical and emotional aspects of dance injury and has been used by many professional dancers, particularly ballerinas. Maybe imagery is a technique teachers could use more or promote in vocational dance training?
Simulation-
Skaters will be given experiences that approximate what they are about to do, possible anxiety, imagining announcements, visualising their performance from within and from a distance, feeling their performance and all the inherent stimuli. Similar to the dance world, performers can prepare for a performance, show, exam or audition in the exact same way. Dancers are often familiar with the phrase "fail to prepare, prepare to fail". If a dancer can visualise and analyse a situation before they face it there is a higher chance the dancer will be prepared for what is to come and have prepared a way to overcome any hurdles they may face.
Emotional control-
It is essential for the skaters to control their emotions both positive and negative to optimise practice time. The program promotes use of positive self talk for self motivation such as "I think, I can, I am, I will..." which is used by the skater, psychologist and the coach. This is another technique which can be adopted by the dance profession. Studies have shown that use of positive and inspiring language is essential for encouragement and progression. This is something teachers themselves could practice in the studio and also incorporate into feedback/assessments.
Tracking progress-
The Skaters are advised to use a notebook to keep track of goals and emotions. Goals should be realistic and reappraised with the coach and by the individual. It is essential that goals are redefined when setbacks occur. This kind of tracking will enable the skater to see their progress and also allow the skater to reflect upon their emotions to see if they are still enjoying skating, feeling accomplishment and having fun. The notebook can also be used as a checklist of preparation procedures including pre practice or pre competition rituals (aerobic activities, stretching, relaxing, imaging, and positive self talk). This method could also be used by dancers in vocational training for the exact same reasons, tracking progress and emotional wellbeing. Pre practice or pre show rituals would also be a useful way to prevent injury as when the mind is focused and the body is physically ready, a higher level of performance is achieved.
Etiquette-
The skaters are taught to behave in an appropriate manner on and off the ice. Respect towards others is of utmost importance and skaters could jeopardise their progression in the skating community if they do not show respect. In my own vocational dance training I was told that I should always respect the teacher, whether they are someone you like or do not particularly like. "You never know who could be on the audition panel" is a phrase I used to hear often. Although respect was emphasised I do not think that etiquette as a whole was emphasised enough. Sometimes in the theatre or hired venue, there can be tensions between the dance company and the theatre staff if company members are not following the rules and etiquette required in a theatre or venue. Etiquette is very important for the company and for the individuals reputation and bad behaviour could have long term effects on a dancers career. Behaviour can also effect the safety of the individuals and others.
Working with the coaches-
Psychologists not only work with skaters but also with the coaches/teachers. Teachers are taught how they can interact with their students in order to "enhance coaching experience with psychological approaches and advice". The same method could be incorporated into vocational dance training. Teachers play a huge part in the students progression and should be able to support their students physically and psychologically. From my own research it appears that teachers are not always offered training and sadly if they are not made aware of psychological pressures, how are they supposed to know what support to offer to the student. The interaction between student and coach./teacher is an area I will be looking into in my inquiry as I research into how teachers can support an injured student.
Conclusion
Although not directly discussing methods used by the dance sector the paper suggests that a sports psychology-performance enhancement program can be of great assistance to all athletes and their coaches. These support methods could successfully be integrated into vocational dance training and it is from these programs used in other sports that we can see the effect and success that they have. With regards to an injured dance student, imagery skills, simulation, emotional control, tracking progress and working with the coaches are all techniques which will provide the emotional/psychological support which is necessary alongside the physical treatment. This paper therefore has influenced my inquiry research and will assist me in creating my artefact - A Teachers guide to providing support for injured students in vocational dance training.
No comments:
Post a Comment