Theorizing and implementing coping strategies for performance anxiety in dance

Abstract

This study examines dancers’ experiences of anxiety and its effect on their performance. A review of current literature outlines the impact of various intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental factors influencing: the intensity and frequency of anxiety, maladaptive or adaptive behaviour and the development of facilitative or debilitative coping strategies. Key influences emerge regarding control, evaluation and perfectionism as well as the motivational climate and occupational concerns. A qualitative survey targeting 101 elite and recreational dancers enables a more in depth look at the individual’s understanding and subjective experiences of somatic and cognitive symptoms of performance anxiety and their ability to cope. An analysis of findings reveals similarities to those highlighted in previous literature such as the majority of dancers reporting experiencing moderate levels of performance anxiety and their coping methods to be mostly self-taught. Survey responses showed a significant amount, twenty percent out of the 101 participants, to have experienced severe anxiety at some point. Four suggestions for active coping are proposed, these include two techniques - deep breathing and progressive muscular relaxation, and two methods - The Feldenkrais Method and a mindfulness practice.