The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of independent dancers from a psychological perspective. This included gaining a descriptive understanding of working life in the sector, as well as specific psychological factors such as motivation, mental skills and self-definitions. There is a paucity of information about independent dancers in the UK, and this research project is the first time that the voices of independent dancers have been collected and analysed.

Overall, the dancers described varied careers whereby they undertook multiple roles and responsibilities. They felt fulfilled by their work and the opportunities it afforded them, and believed that these far outweighed the challenges associated with working independently. The dancers were optimistic, enthusiastic and self-motivated, and this proactive stance helped them to seek work and manage their careers. They also relied on additional skills such as marketing and accounting competencies, and a supportive social network of dancers and non-dancers.

Researchers

• Imogen Aujla PhD, Senior Lecturer in Dance
  imogen.aujla@beds.ac.uk
• Rachel Farrer MA, PhD Candidate, Lecturer in Dance
  rachel.farrer@beds.ac.uk

Dissemination and research report

• Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J. (2017) 'Challenging dance hierarchies: perceptions of success in community dance practice'. Animated. Summer, pp.29-31.
• Aujla, I.J. & Farrer, R. (2017) ‘The role of psychological factors in the career of the independent dancer', Journal Medecine des Arts. 83, pp.12-23.
• Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J. (2016) Getting out of the box - how to survive as a dance artist. 10th November, Dance4, Nottingham.
• Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J. (2016) Dance medicine and science research workshop, 13-14 June, Walsall Campus, University of Wolverhampton.
• Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J. (2016) Understanding the independent dancer: roles, development and success. Dance Research, 34(2), pp. 202-219.
• Aujla, I.J. & Farrer, R. (2016) Independent dancers: Roles, motivation and success - PDF 8.4 MB Bedford: University of Bedfordshire.
• Aujla, I.J., & Farrer, R. (2015) ‘The experiences of independent dancers: Motivation and mental skills’, presented at the International Symposium on Performance Science, 2-5 September 2015, Kyoto, Japan
• Aujla, I.J., & Farrer, R. (2015) 'The role of psychological factors in the career of the independent dancer', Frontiers in Psychology. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01688
• Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J., (2015) ‘Independent artists: perceptions and practice’, presented at Parlour Conversation, 10 September 2015, Independent Dance, London

Research launch event: 27th April 2016, Bedford

On the evening of Wednesday 27th April we launched the findings of our research into the working lives of independent dancers. As well as presenting our own research we heard from industry experts and dancers working in the independent dance sector, with plenty of networking and discussions among presenters and delegates.

• View photographs from the event here