"Freelancers with an understanding of compassion report improvements such as reconnecting with their creative selves and finding stability and fulfillment in diverse activities."

In this episode of the Mid-Project Ideas Podcast, Rachel, an MA Dance Performance and Professional Practices student at the University of Salford, delves into the complex world of freelance dance. Exploring the challenges freelance dancers face, Rachel examines how compassion and adaptive behaviors can contribute to career longevity. The episode features insights from coaches, researchers, and dancers, shedding light on the realities of freelancing, perfectionism, and self-identity within the dance industry.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
• 02:15 - Overview of Freelance Dance Industry Challenges
• 06:30 - Insights from "The Compassionate Mind"
• 10:45 - Interview Highlights: Nicole, Principal Dancer and PT Coach
• 14:20 - Common Struggles: Financial Instability and Self-Identity
• 20:00 - Personal Reflections on Perfectionism
• 25:40 - The Unspoken Hierarchy in Dance
• 30:15 - Redefining Success for Freelance Dancers
• 35:50 - The Impact of Neoliberalism on Dance and Art
• 40:30 - Perfectionism in Dance: Insights from Andrew Hill
• 45:00 - Creating a Supportive Environment
• 50:20 - Future Episode Teaser: Interview with Courtney C. Walton

Resources & Links:

• The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert

• Defining Terms Podcast Episode

Reference List:

• Aujla, I. J., & Farrer, R. (2015). The role of psychological factors in the career of the independent dancer. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1688. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01688

• Aujla, I. J., Farrer, R., Jenkins, L., King, N., & Win, S. (2021). The role and impact of freelancers in the UK dance sector. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 36(4), 233-237. https://doi.org/10.21091/mppa.2021.4030

• Bennett, D. (2019). Careers in Dance: Beyond Performance to the Real World of Work. Routledge.

• Gilbert, P. (2014). The Compassionate Mind. New Harbinger Publications.

• Hill, A. P., Mallinson-Howard, S. H., Madigan, D. J., & Jowett, G. E. (2016). Perfectionism in sport, dance, and exercise: An extended review and reanalysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 27, 101-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2016.08.013

• Mosewich, A. D., Crocker, P. R. E., Kowalski, K. C., & DeLongis, A. (2013). Applying self-compassion in sport: An intervention with women athletes. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 35(5), 514-524. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.35.5.514

• Sommers-Spijkerman, M., Trompetter, H. R., Schreurs, K. M. G., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2017). Compassionate attributes and skills: An exploration in the context of enhancing well-being. Mindfulness, 8, 344-353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-016-0602-6

• Stigler, B. (2018). Lose Yourself to Dance. Dance Research, 36(2), 203-220.

• Walton, C. C., Osborne, M. S., Gilbert, P., & Kirby, J. N. (2022). Nurturing self-compassionate performers. Psychology of Music, 50(5), 743-760. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735619868287

• Wood, K. (2017). UK dance graduates and preparation for freelance working: The contribution of artist-led collectives and dance agencies to the dance ecology. Research in Dance Education, 18(3), 282-297. https://doi.org/10.1080/14647893.2017.1362431

• Wood, K. (2017). Freelance dance artists’ working ecology. Dance Research, 35(2), 135-150. https://doi.org/10.3366/drs.2017.0196