PowerPoint Presentation

A Primer in Performance Psychology for Practitioner PsychologistsThe Culture of Ballet August 7, 2016

Acknowledgment: Discussant Dr. Nadine Kaslow, past president of APA, for her unwavering support of dance.

The Ailey Schools weekly workshop on dancer stress run by Linda Hamilton, with renowned guest Nadine Kaslow, 2015.

Translations from Athletes to Dancers: What Works and What DoesntKate F. Hays, Ph.D.The Performing EdgeTorontoAugust 7, 2016Denver, CO

OutlineA brief history of performance psychologyThe sport-->performance psychology connectionModel of practitioner development in performance psychologyApplications to dance

A very brief history of performance psychology1990sPerformance psychology term first usedL. Hamilton: The Person Behind the Mask: A Guide to Performing Arts PsychologyPositive psychologyUmbrella perspective in sport psychologyalthough AAASP rejects re-naming to include performance

A very brief history of performance psychology2000s Term gains tractionArmy Ready & Resilience training applying sport psychology to militaryDefinitions, books, articles, conference programming Div. 47 Practice Committee: Defining the Practice of Sport and Performance Psychology

A very brief history of performance psychology2010sLanguage of discourseDivision 47:Journal: Sport, Exercise, & Performance PsychologyRecent name changeSection on Performance PsychologyBooks, courses, workshopsM.A. degrees in Performance PsychologyACSM-sponsored: www.athletesandthearts.com

From sport psychologyperformance psychologyMental SkillsThe Body-Mind ConnectionRelevant Research BaseDirect Applications: Translations from sport to performance

Developing Competence in Performance Psychology

Hays & Brown, in preparation

Foundational skills for performance psychology [Tier 1]Relationship or clinical/counseling skillsChange skillsKnowledge of performance excellenceKnowledge of the physiological aspects of performanceKnowledge of systems and systems consultation

Common Characteristicsacross Performance Domains [Tier 2]Mental preparationPre-performance/performance arousalStriving for perfectionCompetition [explicit/implicit]Performance limits [overtraining, burnout, injury, retirement]Individual in context [coach/teacher/supervisor, team, organization, societal assumptions]Confidence

Domain-Specific Issues re Dance [Tier 2]Butterfly professionEarly startAway from homeIdentity foreclosureRetirement History, traditionPerfectionism Closed shopPhysicality/physical intelligenceWeight/eatingSubstance useInjury CompetitionAesthetic judgment

Contextual Intelligence [Tier 3](Brown, Gould, & Foster, 2007)Language re dance x localeMerdeBreak a legChookas!

Kate F. Hays, PhD, CPsych, CC-AASPThe Performing EdgeToronto, ON, Canadawww.theperformingedge.comdrhays@theperformingedge.com

Performance Psychologists: Understanding the Culture and Language of Ballet

Linda H. Hamilton, Ph.D.New York City Ballet Wellness Consultant August 7, 2016Denver, CO

To highlight ballets unique culture & mindsetTo provide language that reflects this knowledge To help psychologists engage dancers in treatmentObjectives:

The Ballet Culture*

Selects perfectionists for 9 years of disciplined training (similar to the military), starting at 8yo.

Creates a hierarchy, based on constant competition for elite schools, jobs, roles and promotions.

Prizes stoicism in the face of physical & mental stress, equating problems with weakness.*Hamilton & Robson, 2007; Hays & Brown, 2004

The Ballet Dancers Mindset*Dancers, who spend thousands of hours developing this expertise, feel passionate about their work.

They often report substantial periods of flow that override typical needs, such as pain & fatigue.

An all-consuming work ethic prevails despite failure: 65% are not hired, although 90% aspire to this goal. *Hamilton, 1997, 1998

InjuriesBurnoutMental StressWeight ManagementPerformance AnxietyMaladaptive PerfectionismOccupational Stresses*

*Hamilton & NYCB, 2008

Dancers Tendinitis: A Common Overuse InjuryChronic tendinitis may cause a Trigger Toe

Dancers tendonitis often requires surgery to release the sheath surrounding the FHL tendon so the lump doesnt catch while moving. William Hamilton, M.D.

Language Reflects Knowledge of Ballet Injuries: Being out is tough, but medical help gives you a competitive edge to cross-train & focus on your artistry.(caters to dancers need to excel) Weight Management: Your potential dance wt requires a unique program of aerobics, wt training & nutrition. Burnout: You can your strength, stamina, memory & reaction time with > 8 hrs. of sleep & 1 day off p/wk.

Language (continued)

Performance Anxiety: Nerves are normal; you need a moderate amount of arousal to dance.

Maladaptive Perfectionism: No one is perfect; yet you never lose by learning from mistakes.

Stress Management: Fight-or-flight hormones can be controlled by using tools similar to Olympic athletes.

Interactive EducationalSolution-OrientedEmotional SupportFocus on StrengthsMental Skills TrainingEngaging Dancers in Treatment**Hamilton & Robson, 2007; Hays & Brown, 2004

International Assoc. of Dance Medicine & Science (membership, position papers, referrals; iadms.org)American Dietetic Association (dietary guidelines, tips, referrals; eatright.org)Renfrew Center Eating Disorder Treatment Facility (nationwide programs, referrals; renfrewcenter.com)Career Transition for Dancers (testing, counseling & grants; careertransition.org)Resources

Thank You www.drlindahamilton.com talk2me@wellness4performers.comPaul Kolnik

From Butterflies to Bouquets to Resums

Sharon A. Chirban, Ph.D., CC-AASPConsultant, Boston BalletClinical Sport Psychologist, Boston Childrens Hospital/Harvard Medical School

August 7, 2016Denver, CO

Goals For This TalkReiterate ubiquitous dancer traits that relate to both success and challenge for the dancer from youth ballet through principalIssues related to seeking treatment for injuries (Krasnow, Kerr, & Manwaring, 1994) Psychological risk factors associated with injuryHigh Commitment Eating vs. Eating DisorderHarmonious vs. Obsessive PassionPresent a detailed case

Excellence vs. PerfectionismAnxiety about time away due to injury (12 y old example)Concerns about body composition and ballet biomechanics High Commitment Eating vs. Eating Disorder (19 y old example)The rewards and disadvantages of compliance (20 y old example)Performance anxietyUbiquitous Traits

Case Presentation28 year-old Company DancerCareer Achievement 10 years Boston BalletStakes of proving oneselfI have what it takes, no, maybe I dontStress of learning choreography and remembering it under pressureNavigating the marathon of the Nutcracker SeasonNew challenges with body image and body comparison on a national stageNavigating Haglunds deformity/achilles tendon surgery and management of post-op painGraduated from college B.S. Sociology

When is it time to stop?Not having fun anymoreIf I stop what do I do next. I know I will do something meaningful, but what?Im tired of the pain If I am not a Boston Ballet ballerina, who am I?Will my boyfriend still want to be with me, if I am no longer a professional ballet dancer?Eat/Pray/Love trip

Case Continued

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Harmonious Passionpassion is defined as a strong inclination toward a self-defining activity that people like (or even love), find important, and in which they invest time and energy on a regular basis

Obsessive Passioncharacterized by intra- or interpersonal pressures that push obsessively passionate people to partake in their activity

OP not expected to produce positive effects and may facilitate negative affect, conflict with other life activities, and psychological ill-beingVallerand, et al. (2003).On Obsessive and Harmonious Passion Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 85, No. 4, 756-767

Dance Medicine

A high prevalence of lower extremity and back injuries, with soft tissue and over use predominating

Lifetime prevalence injury in professional ballet dancers ranged between 40% and 85% (Hincapie, et al)

Adolescent dancers account for most of the ballet injuries

Haglund deformity is chronic irritation from the shoe on the posterosuperior surface of the calcaneus (training relev and jumps)

Weber, B. (2011). Dance Medicine of the Foot and Ankle: A Review Clin Podiatr Med Surg 28, 137-154.

While there are pluses to early retirement (i.e., you have more time to invest in a 2nd career), the minuses are that dancers often have no idea what they want to do, especially if they've been let go or have a debilitating injury---in other words, "pushed" out of the profession. In contrast, principals often have trouble transitioning because they've hit the top of the professionMost leave dance in their mid-40's due to age & end up teaching or being a ballet mistress (not exactly dream jobs)

resulting in bursa formation and then chronic pain on the posterosuperior aspect of the heal 34

Sharon A. Chirban, PhD, CC-AASPConsultant, Boston BalletClinical Sport Psychologist, Boston Childrens Hospital/Harvard Medical SchoolAmplifying Performance Consulting, LLCwww.amplifyingperformance.com

Discussant: Dr. Nadine Kaslow