Mindfulness as a tool for enhancing recovery in the performing arts
Abstract
Recovery in the performing arts has long been considered within the context of the physical demands of performance and injury. The importance of psychological recovery is now emerging in managing mental fatigue and improving performing artists’ health and well-being. This chapter will outline the importance of understanding recovery-stress balance in the performing arts context of dance, and the specific sociocultural and systemic factors that may influence underrecovery among dancers. Strategies that dancers can use to manage their individual recovery needs will be presented. In particular, mindfulness has been identified in dance research to be a valuable tool for artists to develop in relation to managing mental fatigue and improving mental recovery. Some of the common barriers to implementing mindfulness within performing arts contexts are discussed, and practical strategies for integrating mindfulness techniques alongside artistic practice are presented. Finally, challenges in promoting recovery in dance are discussed within a systems approach, and recommendations for practice are addressed.
Keywords
mindfulness, recovery, dance, performing arts, mental fatigue, psychological wellbeing
Document Type
Book Chapter
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
Recovery and Well-being in the Performing Arts
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
RAS ID
95234
ISBN
[9781032936369, 9781032936444, 9781003566885]
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
78
Last Page
96
Recommended Citation
Blevins, P., Erskine, S., & Hopper, L. (2026). Mindfulness as a tool for enhancing recovery in the performing arts. In E. Altenmüller, M. Kellmann, J. Beckmann, & G. M. Moyle (Eds.), Recovery and well-being in the performing arts. Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003566885-7