Dr. Bob Rotella, one of the world’s most respected sports psychologists, has worked with elite athletes across golf, football, basketball and Olympic sport. In his book, How Champions Think, Rotella outlines the mental habits that allow champions to perform consistently under pressure. While the book isn’t written specifically for dancers, its lessons translate powerfully to dancesport where performance, judgment, partnership and pressure collide on the competition floor.

Parents play an important role in a young dancer’s experience, but clear guidance can be difficult to find. This article considers child development, competition pressure, digital visibility and emotional wellbeing, and how adults can support the child as well as the dancing.