Book Review: Sanna Nordin-Bates, Essentials of Dance Psychology

Abstract

Sanna Nordin-Bates, associate professor at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm, is the author of the information-packed Essentials of Dance Psychology, in which she introduces the subject of dance psychology (or psychologia, study of the soul) with a discussion of cognitive behavioral therapy. The rest of the book is divided into parts—“Individual Differences” (chapters on personality, perfectionism, self-esteem and self-confidence, and anxiety), “Dance-specific Characteristics and Dispositions” (chapters on motivation, attentional focus, and creativity), “Psychological Skills” (chapters on mindfulness, goal setting and self-regulation, and imagery), and “Dance Environments and Challenges” (chapters on motivational climates, talent, injury, and body image and disordered eating). Each chapter contains introductory material that describes terms, concepts, and principles, followed by specific cases and applications. The writing is clear, well-referenced, and exceptionally well organized. Chapters lead with an inspirational quote, a list of chapter objectives and key terms, and conclude with key points and recommendations, and critical aspects of research on the topics in the chapter. In the text, Nordin-Bates offers not just basic principles from cognitive behavioral therapy or techniques (such as functional analysis, in querying, say, why a dancer might be performing better during a stage performance than in practice), but also, critical thinking. These include possibilities for using dance psychology in one’s practice or ways in which one can return faster and stronger from injury or learn from queries about the nature and impact on performance of personality in dance. The author notes which chapters have more dance-specific references, for example, chapters on psychological aspects of injury correlated to body image and disordered eating, and those with less (chapters on goal setting). Nordin-Bates argues that dance psychology is not a tack-on to sports psychology, but a field of study in its own right, even though there are common topics of concern (perfectionism, confidence, anxiety, and so on). The book’s discussions are enlightening: Why punishment is counterproductive (being also inefficient and abusive), how personalities naturally develop over time and how we can change them, performance-related consequences of perfectionism, and perfectionism management techniques—what dancers can do, what teachers can do, and when to seek professional help. The practicalities and applications are here, too—ways to strengthen self-confidence (which may include designing exercises that allow dancers to feel satisfied with their accomplishments and effort), and reduce somatic symptoms of anxiety with breathing, relaxation, exercise, and music techniques. Or, nurturing one’s task orientation with setting clear goals, focusing on what one needs to prioritize during class, taking pride in one’s progress, and looking to others as inspiration rather than threat. In short, the chapters are treasure troves of information. A chapter on creativity offers, first, terms and definitions, then cognitive, embodied, and social aspects of creativity (with a focus on convergent, as well as divergent thinking), creative products and creative processes, levels of creativity (from small, to revolutionary), personality traits and sources of creativity, healthy motivational climates, particular activities that are sources of creativity (improvisation, inspiration, variety), and ways to encourage creativity by providing choices, encouraging individuality, encouraging experimentation, and seeking inspiration and variety. The author also discusses coping strategies in injury and injury rehabilitation, as well as ways to weaken the stressinjury connection. Indeed, psychology can be used to reduce injury risk and optimize rehabilitation—by building an open culture and listening to the body, nurturing healthy motivation and self-esteem, encouraging help-seeking from appropriate health professionals, and using or encouraging psychological skills (goal setting, imagery, mindfulness, self-talk). With many illustrative dance images, detailed dancer case studies, numerous charts and tables, a comprehensive glossary, 30 pp of references, and a beautifully detailed index, this well-written book is a must-have for teachers, universities, studios, schools, and students. 1178097 DMJXXX10.1177/1089313X231178097Journal of Dance Medicine & ScienceBook Review book-review2023