A new SPRINT Project publication led by PhD researcher Michelle Schachtler Dwarika explores how mental skills training can help freelance dance artists manage career challenges, support wellbeing, and develop skills that extend beyond dance.

Elite athletes are often viewed as independent, resilient, and mentally tough. Yet one message emerged repeatedly at the Sporting Chance Summit 2026: nobody succeeds alone. From injury and retirement to training abroad and navigating personal challenges, this blog explores the vital role that social support plays in wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable performance, and invites readers to reflect on who is in their own corner.

Mental health is increasingly recognised as a core component of performance, wellbeing, and safeguarding in sport and dance. While awareness has grown, the challenge remains in translating research into practice. MST4Life™ (Mental Skills Training for Life) is one programme that demonstrates how mental health research projects in sport psychology can be applied to support young people in meaningful, community-based ways.

Mental skills aren’t just for elite performers, they’re for everyone navigating pressure, recovery, learning, or leadership. At The SPRINT Project, we’ve curated a rich collection of blogs, toolkits, and academic resources to help you explore mental skills like goal-setting, imagery, emotional regulation, and resilience. This interactive hub offers practical tools and reflective insights to support wellbeing and inclusive practice.

Three creative, strengths-based activities for dance organisations to embed in their curriculum or training enviornments. As part of a whole-organisational approach to safeguarding, these activities will help to create a safe space for dancers to explore what safety means to them, and for organisations to listen, reflect, and respond.