Finding your balance: An investigation of recovery-stressbalance in vocational dance training

Professional dance careers require years of intensive training. Stress experienced during training must be balanced with adequate recovery to prevent overtraining and burnout, however little is known about how dancers achieve recovery-stress balance. This study examined dancers’ recollection of stress and recovery during their vocational dance training to identify potential stressors and recovery behaviours in vocational dance training. Four general dimensions were identified: Dance Culture, Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Situational Factors. Cultural norms, health factors related to injury and illness, and transition periods within vocational dance training were sources of stress for participants. Dancers’ responses to stress were categorised as Adaptive or Maladaptive. Maladaptive behavioural responses (e.g., ignoring injury, pain, and fatigue) were related to negative training outcomes associated with overtraining and burnout. This study develops understanding of recovery-stress balance in vocational dance training and recommends development of interventions to encourage adaptive behaviours for dance students to support health and wellbeing.