Five of the major professional companies in Australia across ballet and contemporary dance instig... more Five of the major professional companies in Australia across ballet and contemporary dance instigated a review of their current career development and transition activities, in addition to capturing benchmarking information regarding other existing career transition and development programs in Australia and overseas. This report captures what current models and approaches were being utilised with the primary aim of identifying key considerations for future models that could be developed and implemented in Australia, catering for the diversity of contexts in which the professional dance companies currently work.
Creative Industries Faculty; School of Media, Entertainment & Creative Arts, Apr 1, 2010
THE first thing to remember is that eating disorders* are seldom “caused” by one sole factor. Eat... more THE first thing to remember is that eating disorders* are seldom “caused” by one sole factor. Eating disorders arise as the result of many factors, many of which medical science has not yet identified or understood. Moreover, young people are influenced by numerous forces beside the dance class – such as family, school, society, the media – over which a dance teacher has no control.
Dancing is an activity most people associate with after-hours exploits: parties, weddings, the lo... more Dancing is an activity most people associate with after-hours exploits: parties, weddings, the lounge rooms of friends with great vinyl collections, a night out at the ballet – or television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars or Got To Dance...
This article offers an examination of a research process that used elements taken from an elite s... more This article offers an examination of a research process that used elements taken from an elite sporting competition, in this case an international Rugby Union match, to develop choreographic thinking tools to create a new contemporary dance work. One goal of this practice-led research was to create a vehicle for penetrating the physicality and unpacking the bodily configurations created in a rugby match. Data derived from a frame-by-frame analysis of a recorded match allowed for the identification and deconstruction of sequential movement to be converted into set representational, abstract choreographic tools named movement signatures and blocks. Through this research, the main physical traits identified were entanglement, directional changeability and interlocking struggle. Subsequently, these choreographic stimuli were used in the formation of movement scores and an abstract movement vocabulary to inform the creation and performance of a non-traditional research output, Fields of Play (2015). Furthermore, this practice-led study utilized elements of Laban Movement Analysis and sports movement analysis to develop an experimental approach to movement annotation and the development of a choreographic process. Through witnessing this hybrid movement vocabulary evolve, the research revealed qualities of de-centred logic, interruption of flow and the potential for a game dramaturgy to emerge.
Sport and exercise psychologists are often sought after to apply their knowledge, skills and expe... more Sport and exercise psychologists are often sought after to apply their knowledge, skills and experience from a sporting context into other performance-related industries and endeavours. Over the past two decades, this has noticeably expanded out from a natural progression into the performing arts with other ‘typical’ performers (e.g., dancers, actors, musicians, singers) through to people who work in high pressure environments that consist of clear performance outputs and requirements that are usually linked to high impact consequences for non-achievement (e.g., lawyers, surgeons, executives, military personnel, safety professionals). Whilst these areas of application continue to increase in popularity and performance psychology is more readily recognised as an important factor in people performance across industries, the use of psychology within the performing arts continues to deepen and solidify its value as an essential and critical factor for success. This article focuses on the contribution of psychology to the performing arts that I have observed over more than 20 years – obtained through a variety of roles primarily within the dance sector including as performer, educator, health professional, researcher, commentator and senior leader.
This special issue of the journal Performance Enhancement and Health has been produced to both sh... more This special issue of the journal Performance Enhancement and Health has been produced to both showcase and further contribute to the growing literature on the unique and specialised field of the performing arts. Over the past two decades, the application of sports-based approaches to performance enhancement and health has grown exponentially in its application to the performing arts sector; however, whilst these two fields share many similarities including individuals working both physically and mentally for many years to be able to perform at their best in their chosen discipline (e.g., dance, music), significant differences exist...
ABSTRACT Globally, people’s life expectancies are increasing and we are living longer than past g... more ABSTRACT Globally, people’s life expectancies are increasing and we are living longer than past generations. In Australia, people aged 65 years and older are expected to represent 22% of the country’s total population in 2057. At present, 65 years is the retirement age in Australia and, as a result, it marks the opportunity for many older Australians to start spending more time engaging in leisure activities. This article examines ballet class participation as one such leisure activity. Drawing from a case study of Queensland Ballet’s weekly Ballet for Seniors class, this article analyses the focus group discussions of 10 class participants (aged 46 to 82 years), class observations, and teacher interviews. One of the key findings of this case study was that more challenging class content led to a greater sense of satisfaction and pleasure among the class participants. It is proposed that part of the pleasure of dancing ballet as an older adult are the physical and cognitive challenges that are embedded in the structure of ballet.
Background: Interest regarding the impact of mindfulness on performance has grown dramatically ov... more Background: Interest regarding the impact of mindfulness on performance has grown dramatically over the past decade, with research focused primarily on its application within the sporting domain. Recent research has explored the integration of mindfulness into the curriculum within vocation dance programs (see Moyle, 2016) with current research building upon these studies investigating mindfulness training programs across two University dance training institutions. This workshop will explore the current research focusing upon the content and delivery of the respective mindfulness programs, with a focus on sharing current observations and findings to-date that may be relevant to practitioners, educators and researchers interested in this field. Evidence: Sport research has shown mindfulness based approaches (e.g., Mindfulness Acceptance Commitment (MAC) (Gardner & Moore, 2007); Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Hayes & Wilson, 1994)) facilitate enhanced sport performance and improved personal and psychological wellbeing (Gardner & Moore, 2017). Whilst body-mind connection could be argued to be inherent in dance training, there is limited research investigating specific relationships between mindfulness, dance performance and dancer well-being (Moyle, 2016). Outcomes: This workshop will present two mindfulness training programs that have been implemented in dance courses at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Conclusions: These programs, while developed independently, both draw from aspects of the MAC and ACT approaches, with content tailored to be dance specific and focused on mindfulness skills that may provide students with strategies to produce optimal performance.
Dancers work constantly and intensely, typically because they are doing something they love. They... more Dancers work constantly and intensely, typically because they are doing something they love. They never tire of what they do - right? Well, it might surprise many to know that dancers are considered prime material for developing "burnout" - an experience categorised by emotional and physical exhaustion, disengagement with work, and a feeling of lack of accomplishment...
The role of the sport and performance psychologists offers an historical base to many of the conc... more The role of the sport and performance psychologists offers an historical base to many of the conceptualizations, strategies and tools currently utilized by coaches and coaching psychologists. The world of elite sport and performance offers little room for negativity, little tolerance for cognitions, emotions and behaviours that are less than optimal; in an environment that sets high expectation, makes obvious comparisons and is driven by competition; all within inflexible timelines and with harsh consequences for those that don’t make the grade. From this context the presenters will reflect on their development, challenges and expertise; offering ideas and tools that translate into the coaching arena.
Exploring the ethical issues present in professional practice within the field of sport, exercise... more Exploring the ethical issues present in professional practice within the field of sport, exercise and performance psychology, this case study outlines challenges that may be encountered, ways to address issues should they arise, and the overall ethical considerations of supporting injury rehabilitation within a dance training context.
Background: Elite level dance performance involves intense physical training (Wyon, 2010). Dancer... more Background: Elite level dance performance involves intense physical training (Wyon, 2010). Dancers are susceptible to overtraining (Koutedakis, 2000), burnout (Quested & Duda, 2011), stress (Noh, Morris, & Andersen, 2003), and fatigue due to overload (Leiderbach, Schanfein, & Kremenic, 2013). Sport science research indicates a balance between training and non-training stress and recovery is needed to achieve performance improvements (Kellmann, 2002; Richardson, Andersen, & Morris, 2008). Little is known about how dancers manage stress-recovery balance to maintain and improve performance. This research provides insight into the experiences of dancers managing the heavy training loads and stress of vocational and professional dance environments. Methods: Professional ballet (n=4) and contemporary (n=8) dancers participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed participant experiences indicative of under-recovery, overtraining, and burnout. Results: This study suppo...
Dancing is an activity most people associate with after-hours exploits: parties, weddings, the lo... more Dancing is an activity most people associate with after-hours exploits: parties, weddings, the lounge rooms of friends with great vinyl collections, a night out at the ballet – or television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars or Got To Dance...
Five of the major professional companies in Australia across ballet and contemporary dance instig... more Five of the major professional companies in Australia across ballet and contemporary dance instigated a review of their current career development and transition activities, in addition to capturing benchmarking information regarding other existing career transition and development programs in Australia and overseas. This report captures what current models and approaches were being utilised with the primary aim of identifying key considerations for future models that could be developed and implemented in Australia, catering for the diversity of contexts in which the professional dance companies currently work.
Creative Industries Faculty; School of Media, Entertainment & Creative Arts, Apr 1, 2010
THE first thing to remember is that eating disorders* are seldom “caused” by one sole factor. Eat... more THE first thing to remember is that eating disorders* are seldom “caused” by one sole factor. Eating disorders arise as the result of many factors, many of which medical science has not yet identified or understood. Moreover, young people are influenced by numerous forces beside the dance class – such as family, school, society, the media – over which a dance teacher has no control.
Dancing is an activity most people associate with after-hours exploits: parties, weddings, the lo... more Dancing is an activity most people associate with after-hours exploits: parties, weddings, the lounge rooms of friends with great vinyl collections, a night out at the ballet – or television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars or Got To Dance...
This article offers an examination of a research process that used elements taken from an elite s... more This article offers an examination of a research process that used elements taken from an elite sporting competition, in this case an international Rugby Union match, to develop choreographic thinking tools to create a new contemporary dance work. One goal of this practice-led research was to create a vehicle for penetrating the physicality and unpacking the bodily configurations created in a rugby match. Data derived from a frame-by-frame analysis of a recorded match allowed for the identification and deconstruction of sequential movement to be converted into set representational, abstract choreographic tools named movement signatures and blocks. Through this research, the main physical traits identified were entanglement, directional changeability and interlocking struggle. Subsequently, these choreographic stimuli were used in the formation of movement scores and an abstract movement vocabulary to inform the creation and performance of a non-traditional research output, Fields of Play (2015). Furthermore, this practice-led study utilized elements of Laban Movement Analysis and sports movement analysis to develop an experimental approach to movement annotation and the development of a choreographic process. Through witnessing this hybrid movement vocabulary evolve, the research revealed qualities of de-centred logic, interruption of flow and the potential for a game dramaturgy to emerge.
Sport and exercise psychologists are often sought after to apply their knowledge, skills and expe... more Sport and exercise psychologists are often sought after to apply their knowledge, skills and experience from a sporting context into other performance-related industries and endeavours. Over the past two decades, this has noticeably expanded out from a natural progression into the performing arts with other ‘typical’ performers (e.g., dancers, actors, musicians, singers) through to people who work in high pressure environments that consist of clear performance outputs and requirements that are usually linked to high impact consequences for non-achievement (e.g., lawyers, surgeons, executives, military personnel, safety professionals). Whilst these areas of application continue to increase in popularity and performance psychology is more readily recognised as an important factor in people performance across industries, the use of psychology within the performing arts continues to deepen and solidify its value as an essential and critical factor for success. This article focuses on the contribution of psychology to the performing arts that I have observed over more than 20 years – obtained through a variety of roles primarily within the dance sector including as performer, educator, health professional, researcher, commentator and senior leader.
This special issue of the journal Performance Enhancement and Health has been produced to both sh... more This special issue of the journal Performance Enhancement and Health has been produced to both showcase and further contribute to the growing literature on the unique and specialised field of the performing arts. Over the past two decades, the application of sports-based approaches to performance enhancement and health has grown exponentially in its application to the performing arts sector; however, whilst these two fields share many similarities including individuals working both physically and mentally for many years to be able to perform at their best in their chosen discipline (e.g., dance, music), significant differences exist...
ABSTRACT Globally, people’s life expectancies are increasing and we are living longer than past g... more ABSTRACT Globally, people’s life expectancies are increasing and we are living longer than past generations. In Australia, people aged 65 years and older are expected to represent 22% of the country’s total population in 2057. At present, 65 years is the retirement age in Australia and, as a result, it marks the opportunity for many older Australians to start spending more time engaging in leisure activities. This article examines ballet class participation as one such leisure activity. Drawing from a case study of Queensland Ballet’s weekly Ballet for Seniors class, this article analyses the focus group discussions of 10 class participants (aged 46 to 82 years), class observations, and teacher interviews. One of the key findings of this case study was that more challenging class content led to a greater sense of satisfaction and pleasure among the class participants. It is proposed that part of the pleasure of dancing ballet as an older adult are the physical and cognitive challenges that are embedded in the structure of ballet.
Background: Interest regarding the impact of mindfulness on performance has grown dramatically ov... more Background: Interest regarding the impact of mindfulness on performance has grown dramatically over the past decade, with research focused primarily on its application within the sporting domain. Recent research has explored the integration of mindfulness into the curriculum within vocation dance programs (see Moyle, 2016) with current research building upon these studies investigating mindfulness training programs across two University dance training institutions. This workshop will explore the current research focusing upon the content and delivery of the respective mindfulness programs, with a focus on sharing current observations and findings to-date that may be relevant to practitioners, educators and researchers interested in this field. Evidence: Sport research has shown mindfulness based approaches (e.g., Mindfulness Acceptance Commitment (MAC) (Gardner & Moore, 2007); Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Hayes & Wilson, 1994)) facilitate enhanced sport performance and improved personal and psychological wellbeing (Gardner & Moore, 2017). Whilst body-mind connection could be argued to be inherent in dance training, there is limited research investigating specific relationships between mindfulness, dance performance and dancer well-being (Moyle, 2016). Outcomes: This workshop will present two mindfulness training programs that have been implemented in dance courses at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Conclusions: These programs, while developed independently, both draw from aspects of the MAC and ACT approaches, with content tailored to be dance specific and focused on mindfulness skills that may provide students with strategies to produce optimal performance.
Dancers work constantly and intensely, typically because they are doing something they love. They... more Dancers work constantly and intensely, typically because they are doing something they love. They never tire of what they do - right? Well, it might surprise many to know that dancers are considered prime material for developing "burnout" - an experience categorised by emotional and physical exhaustion, disengagement with work, and a feeling of lack of accomplishment...
The role of the sport and performance psychologists offers an historical base to many of the conc... more The role of the sport and performance psychologists offers an historical base to many of the conceptualizations, strategies and tools currently utilized by coaches and coaching psychologists. The world of elite sport and performance offers little room for negativity, little tolerance for cognitions, emotions and behaviours that are less than optimal; in an environment that sets high expectation, makes obvious comparisons and is driven by competition; all within inflexible timelines and with harsh consequences for those that don’t make the grade. From this context the presenters will reflect on their development, challenges and expertise; offering ideas and tools that translate into the coaching arena.
Exploring the ethical issues present in professional practice within the field of sport, exercise... more Exploring the ethical issues present in professional practice within the field of sport, exercise and performance psychology, this case study outlines challenges that may be encountered, ways to address issues should they arise, and the overall ethical considerations of supporting injury rehabilitation within a dance training context.
Background: Elite level dance performance involves intense physical training (Wyon, 2010). Dancer... more Background: Elite level dance performance involves intense physical training (Wyon, 2010). Dancers are susceptible to overtraining (Koutedakis, 2000), burnout (Quested & Duda, 2011), stress (Noh, Morris, & Andersen, 2003), and fatigue due to overload (Leiderbach, Schanfein, & Kremenic, 2013). Sport science research indicates a balance between training and non-training stress and recovery is needed to achieve performance improvements (Kellmann, 2002; Richardson, Andersen, & Morris, 2008). Little is known about how dancers manage stress-recovery balance to maintain and improve performance. This research provides insight into the experiences of dancers managing the heavy training loads and stress of vocational and professional dance environments. Methods: Professional ballet (n=4) and contemporary (n=8) dancers participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed participant experiences indicative of under-recovery, overtraining, and burnout. Results: This study suppo...
Dancing is an activity most people associate with after-hours exploits: parties, weddings, the lo... more Dancing is an activity most people associate with after-hours exploits: parties, weddings, the lounge rooms of friends with great vinyl collections, a night out at the ballet – or television shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With The Stars or Got To Dance...
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Papers by Gene M Moyle