News

We are delighted to announce that Rosie Davis, a PhD student from the School of Biological and Behavioural sciences (Dr Versace lab) has been selected as one of only three recipients of the Linda & William Hamilton Annual Dance Wellness Symposium, which will take place at the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) 35th Annual Conference in Las Vegas later this month.

Positive Balance is a psychoeducational programme for the physical and psychological wellbeing of pre-professional dancers based on positive psychology. Pre-professional adolescent dancers face many challenges to their wellbeing, including performance pressures, injuries, homesickness, and the physical demands of training. Positive Balance combines positive psychology, which helps dancers recognise their existing personal strengths and positive emotions, with psychoeducation, using practical strategies to manage their own wellbeing.

The programme was delivered to adolescent dancers across pre-professional ballet schools, with feedback gathered from both the dancers and healthcare professionals to refine the activities. It included interactive and reflective tools which encouraged dancers to explore new strategies for approaching challenges using their existing character strengths and positive emotions. Results of a randomised controlled trial showed that Positive Balance supported an increase in dancers' knowledge and practice of positive psychology techniques. Positive Balance highlights the role of psychoeducation in enhancing both the physical and psychological wellbeing of young dancers. By tailoring activities to their lived experiences, Positive Balance empowers dancers to make more informed choices, fostering positive emotions and promoting healthier wellbeing habits.

The programme was the result of a fruitful collaboration between the School of Biological and Behavioural Science, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, English National Ballet School and Royal Ballet School bringing together expertise in adolescent wellbeing, behavioural science, psychology, physiotherapy and dance science.

This was chosen from more than 100 abstracts worldwide, an achievement that recognises the excellence and originality of the project. As part of the award, Rosie will receive a $1,000 prize and a travel grant to present the project at the symposium, and all co-authors will be recognised with a certificate of achievement. The award ceremony will take place during the IADMS Conference on Thursday 25 September at 5:45pm, where Rosie and the other symposium recipients will be formally recognised.

Huge congratulations to the entire project team Rosie Davis (SBBS, Dr Versace Lab), Jieying Huang (SBBS, Dr Versace Lab), Dr Giorgia Michelini (SBBS), Juncal Roman (English National Ballet School), Karen Roman (Royal Ballet School), Christian Uitzinger (Royal Ballet School), Dr Manuela Angioi (FMD), and Dr Elisabetta Versace (SBBS).