Details

I am a Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society). I have published peer reviewed research, spoken at international conferences and worked with leading dance schools and companies across the world to help performing artists to achieve better wellbeing and optimal performance.

After tears to both of my hips ended my dreams of a professional dance career, I redirected my curiosity and creativity towards a BSc Psychology from the University of Surrey. While there, I developed a new goal; to use my understanding of the science of behaviour to help dancers to navigate some of the challenges I had faced. I spent a year working in the neuroscience of dance, then completed a Master’s and PhD in Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. During this time, I lectured in dance, psychology and research methods at a number of Higher Education institutions before spending four years at the University of Chichester. Here, I was a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and continued to research the psychology of dance while leading the Wellbeing and Creativity in Performance Lab, while also contributing to degrees in Dance Science and Musical Theatre.
Research and evidence is key to how I work.
As a researcher, my expertise lies in the psychosocial underpinnings of optimal performance, including the training environment and significant individuals (such as teachers/parents) in nurturing healthy dance engagement. Some of my recent research focusses on creativity in the life of a dancer, understanding what it means to achieve not only technical excellence in dance but also to develop creatively.
Since 2016 I have been listed by One Dance UK, the UK’s body for dance, as a recommended Healthier Dancer Speaker.
In 2018 I began working as the dance psychologist and have since worked freelance within world-leading dance institutions, and in 2020 I reached the shortlist for One Dance UK’s Applied Dance Scientist Award, in recognition of my work in the dance community. I use my expertise gained as a researcher to develop evidence-based psychoeducational workshops and consultancy for performing artists. I care deeply about supporting the wellbeing of all dancers, regardless of genre or current level.