Supporting Stress Management, Well-being, and Flourishing Among Vocational Dancers

Tracey Davenport PhD

Course Dates: September 15, 2024 - September 14, 2027

Learning Format: Asynchronous/On-Demand

Learning Hours: 6 hours

Content Description: This comprehensive 6-hour course explores the psychological aspects of dance training and performance, offering healthcare professionals a research-based approach to implementing effective coping strategies for performing artists. Led by Dr. Tracey Devonport, a Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Psychology, participants will engage with the latest literature in sports and dance psychology. Through videos, case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees will gain insight into the unique stressors and mental health challenges faced by dancers. The course will equip participants with practical strategies for coaching dancers both in the studio and clinical settings, ultimately promoting quicker and safer recovery from mental and physical injuries.

Learning Objectives: 

At the end of the activity, participants will be able to:

At the end of the activity, the participants will be able to:

  1. Recognize stressors and how stress comes about
  2. Focus on commonly identified sources of stress in Dance vocations
  3. Understand the role of coping in managing stress (and associated emotions) and flourishing
  4. Present practical recommendations for facilitating coping among dancers

Target Audience:

  • Medical doctors, physical therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, healthcare teams for performing artists
  • Dance educators in higher education.
  • Dance medicine research scientists.
  • Dance teachers and artistic directors.
  • Dancers seeking insights into dancer health.

Registration Fees:

  • IADMS Member: $240
  • IADMS Student Member: $138
  • Non-Member: $366

 

Dr. Tracey Devonport is a Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science within the School of Psychology at the University of Wolverhampton (UoW). She has led the Sport and Physical Activity Research Center at the UoW for five years (2018-2023) and coordinated the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission for UoA24. As a sport and exercise enthusiast, Devonport enjoys teaching and research in sports and exercise contexts, but also general psychology concerning concepts such as stress, coping, and emotion regulation.

Devonport has over 80 papers published in peer-reviewed academic journals, 3 books, 22 book chapters, and 12 professional papers.  Notably, she received runner-up for the University of Wolverhampton's Vice Chancellors Awards for staff excellence, the 'Excellence in Research' award, subsequently winning this award in 2017. In 2013, she was nominated by students for the 'above and beyond' – teaching excellence award, and in 2023 and 2018 was nominated for the 'Dissertation Supervisor of the year' award.   She is registered as a Sport and Exercise Psychologist with the Health Care Professions Council. Other certifications include: Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, accredited with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for scientific support (Psychology), and a Chartered Scientist.

Devonport was made a Fellow of BASES in 2015. She has provided services as an accredited sports psychology consultant for more than 20 years, predominantly working with junior national athletes in sports such as Gymnastics, Tennis, Swimming, Badminton, Judo, Hockey, and Netball. In recent years Devonport has become increasingly involved in helping individuals (young to older adults) to reap the benefits of a physically active lifestyle.