Dance Psychology is the study of dance and dancers from a scientific, psychological perspective. Written by Dr Peter Lovatt (AKA Dr Dance), this Dance Psychology textbook provides a general introduction to the Psychology of Dance and then it delves in to eleven of the most central questions concerning Dance Psychology. Are humans born to dance? Does the way you move your body change the way you think? Will dancing make people happier? Can dancing put people in to a trance-like state? Will a person's dance confidence change across the lifespan? Does dancing make people healthier? Why do we enjoy watching some dance performances more than others? How do dancers remember so many dance routines? Why don't dancers get dizzy? Will dancing improve a person's self-esteem? How do we communicate emotions with our body? Drawing on academic literature, this book is engaging, technical and, in places, critical; it is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Dance Psychology.

Dance Psychology for Artistic and Performance Excellence helps dancers develop psychological strength to maximize their performance. The book covers the key mental aspects of dance performance and offers practical exercises that will make dancers’ minds their most powerful tools.

Dance/movement as active imagination was originated by Jung in 1916. Developed in the 1960s by dance therapy pioneer Mary Whitehouse, it is today both an approach to dance therapy as well as a form of active imagination in analysis. In her delightful book Joan Chodorow provides an introduction to the origins, theory and practice of dance/movement as active imagination. Beginning with her own story the author shows how dance/ movement is of value to psychotherapy. An historical overview of Jung's basic concepts is given as well as the most recent depth psychological synthesis of affect theory based on the work of Sylvan Tomkins, Louis Stewart, and others. Finally in discussing the use of dance/movement as active imagination in practice, the movement themes that emerge and the non-verbal expressive aspects of the therapaeutic relationship are described.

The founder of the Dance Psychology Lab, Dr. Peter Lovatt, reveals the surprising cognitive and emotional benefits of dancing and prescriptive ways to dance yourself happy. Dancing isn’t just good exercise. Surrendering yourself to the beat can have a far-reaching impact on all areas of your life –it can help you communicate better, to think more creatively, and can be a powerful catalyst for change. Losing yourself in the moment to a song or piece of music can also alleviate anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, Dr. Peter Lovatt has found. Drawing on great stories from dance history as well as fascinating case studies from his Dance Psychology Lab and his own life, Dr Lovatt shares his best steps and routines, as well as top dance anthems to inspire everyone—even those who believe they “can't dance”—to turn the music on, stand up, and dance themselves happy. The Dance Cure is filled with surprising prescriptions covering a variety of needs, revealing how a particular type of dance can help. Looking to become more empathetic? Pair up for a Scottish country dance Eager to enhance your creativity? Shake it up with contemporary dance Need to de-stress? Let loose with punk-era pogo Looking to prolong your life? Zumba is the secret In need of showing yourself more love? Go solo as you trip the light fantastic. Want to bolster your self-confidence? Try ballet and belly dance. An irresistible blend of science and whimsy, The Dance Cure shows you how to turn the beat—and your life—around.

Psychology for Dancers: Theory and Practice to Fulfil Your Potential examines how psychological theory can be related to dance practice. Aimed at the dancer who wants to maximize their potential but has no grounding in psychology, the book begins with an examination of basic psychological concepts, approaches and methods, before applying theory to dance. The book explores why dance is so important in many people's lives: as a form of fitness, a profession, or visual entertainment. Each chapter then examines a different aspect of psychology related to dance in an applied context. Self-perception is examined as dancers are under great scrutiny; a grounded sense of self will ensure a positive perception of self-worth and body image, and suggestions are made as to how a healthy and motivational climate can be created. The book also places an emphasis on how cognitive skills are as important as technical skills, including the ability to learn and recall steps and choreography as efficiently as possible. Social factors are related to the dance context, with a discussion of effective leadership and communication skills and the importance of group cohesion. Finally, there is a review of the impact of emotions on dance practice and how best to manage these emotions. Each chapter reviews important psychological theories, offering practical suggestions on how they can be applied to dance practice. Psychology for Dancers is an invaluable resource for students, professionals, and teachers of dance.

The topic of sport psychology is hardly new—but Essentials of Dance Psychology applies it to dance in a way that sets it apart from all other sport psychology texts available to dance students, instructors, and professionals. Through Essentials of Dance Psychology, readers will come to understand why dancers think and behave as they do and how to design healthy, creative dance environments that lead to both well-being and optimal performance. The book is built on a foundation of evidence from dance and sport psychology research, with applied experiences used as examples throughout. Where appropriate, evidence from other areas of psychology—for example, cognitive behavioral therapy—is used. A thorough coverage of topics relevant to dancers, teachers, and others working to support dancers is included, making the book suitable for one slightly longer course or two short courses in introductory dance psychology. The book is organized into four parts. Part I delves into dancers’ individual differences, examining how personality, perfectionism, self-esteem, self-confidence, and anxiety factor into performance and well-being. Part II explores topics related to dance-specific characteristics such as motivation, attentional focus, and creativity. In part III, readers learn about a range of psychological skills, including mindfulness, goal setting, self-regulation, and imagery. Part IV examines topics related to dance environments and challenges, zeroing in on the social aspects of teaching and learning dance, the challenges of talent identification and development, injuries, body image, and disordered eating. Student-friendly textbook features in each chapter include the following: Relevant definitions A case study that shows how the chapter’s topics can be expressed or experienced in practice One or more Get Practical exercises, which prompt readers to apply or reflect on the chapter’s concepts (These exercises come with either downloadable worksheets or audio, delivered through HKPropel Access.) A roundup of further research needed in each content area, which can inspire research projects for students and professionals alike Key points to reinforce the learning, with particular emphasis on applications Materials available through HKPropel Access include downloadable worksheets, three audio files with guided exercises, vocabulary study aids, lettering art, and two goal-setting templates. In addition, an instructor pack provides chapter summaries, a course outline, a test bank, and a PowerPoint presentation package. Essentials of Dance Psychology offers readers the opportunity to understand sport psychology from the vantage point of a dancer. The text will help develop dance teachers who are able to inspire and sustain high levels of performance and psychological health among dancers. It will also help other professionals who work with dancers to implement evidence-based practices that enhance and sustain dancers’ lives and careers. Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is not included with this ebook but may be purchased separately.

The dance world is filled with technique books, which certainly serve an important role in helping dancers improve their performance. But the market has been conspicuously void of instruction on a vital aspect of dance performance: the mental aspect. Developing Psychological Strength in All Dancers Jim Taylor, a veteran sport and dance psychologist and author, and Elena Estanol, a dancer, instructor, and sport and dance psychologist, bring their experience and knowledge to Dance Psychology for Artistic and Performance Excellence to help dancers at all levels develop psychological strength to maximize their performance. Dance Psychology for Artistic and Performance Excellence will help dancers in these ways: • Understand how to use the mental aspects of dance to their advantage. • Learn simple techniques to raise their dancing to a new level. • Refine their technique and overcome performance challenges. Individualized Program and Web Resource Tools Dancers will build a strong foundation for performance by employing the dance-specific psychological strategies. The individualized program will help dancers reach their potential in artistry and excellence in school, the dance profession, and dance-related careers. The book comes with a companion web resource containing 40 worksheets that will help dancers grow mentally through reflection and self-examination. Dancers will be able to use these tools to refine their technique and overcome performance challenges. Scientifically Proven Psychological Methods Dance Psychology for Artistic and Performance Excellence incorporates some updated content from Taylor’s original best-selling book Psychology of Dance. Through the authors’ research and experience with dancers over the past two decades, this book offers the latest in scientifically proven psychological methods and practices that dancers have used to achieve optimal performance. As the authors write in their preface: What separates good dancers from the best dancers lies in how mentally prepared they are to perform their best, despite circumstances that dance and life throw at them. Dancers who are the most motivated to train, who have the greatest confidence in themselves, who perform best under pressure, who stay focused on their performance, who keep their emotions under control, and who are able to direct their emotions to elevate their performance and technique to true artistry are the most successful and revered. Key Psychological Concepts Explored To help dancers elevate their performance, the authors explore these concepts in the context of dance performance and provide practical exercises for each concept: • Self-knowledge • Motivation • Confidence • Intensity • Focus • Emotions • Goal setting • Imagery The authors also examine the foundations of dance psychology and delve into special concerns for dancers, including stress and burnout, pain and injury, and disordered eating. Making Your Mind the Most Powerful Tool Once you get to a certain level, your mind is your most powerful tool—or your most harmful weapon. Dance Psychology for Artistic and Performance Excellence will help dancers turn their minds into powerful tools not only to improve their technical and artistic performance but also to enhance their enjoyment, bring greater fulfillment, and enrich their lives personally and professionally. This text is an important contribution to the Human Kinetics dance list because it equips dancers with the psychological tools they need for success.

Perfectionism has been found to play an important yet complex role in sport, dance and exercise. This collection provides a comprehensive and up-to-date account of theory, measurement, research findings, and practitioner issues associated with perfectionism, providing readers with insights into both its benefits and its costs. The book features contributions from many of the leading researchers in the field, and also includes recommendations from experienced practitioners and clinicians on how best to work with perfectionists. This book will provide students and researchers in sport and exercise psychology, as well as coaches and instructors in sport, dance and exercise, with an invaluable resource to guide their research and practice.

Professional dance careers are both highly rewarding and exceptionally challenging, so success as a dancer requires robust preparation. Performance Psychology for Dancers is an accessible and practical guide to talent development, offering dancers and those around them support to navigate the challenges of training and the psychological strategies that underlie success. As coaches, parents and experienced practitioners themselves, the authors share their passion and expertise in talent development from experience working with in-training and professional dancers, athletes, and the military. Additionally, a variety of current industry experts provide key insights and reflections on talent development, mental health and psychological skills for performance.

This gives me an immense pleasure to announce that ‘RED’SHINE Publication, Inc’ is coming out with its third volume of peer reviewed, international journal named as ‘The International Journal of Indian Psychology. IJIP Journal of Studies‘is a humble effort to come out with an affordable option of a low cost publication journal and high quality of publication services, at no profit no loss basis, with the objective of helping young, genius, scholars and seasoned academicians to show their psychological research works to the world at large and also to fulfill their academic aspirations.