Resource Library
The Dance Sport Trust Resource Library brings together our guides, articles, tools, conversations and other resources in one place. It is designed to make useful information easier to find, understand and return to, whether you are a dancer, parent, teacher, professional or simply looking to understand more about DanceSport.
Search by keyword or browse by subject to explore the library and find what is relevant to you.

Guides
So You Want to Dance Competitively?
A starting guide for dancers and families navigating competitive DanceSport in the UK. Explore the main competitive pathways, how the wider system fits together, questions to ask before committing, and where to find further information
Competition & Performance, Parents & Families, Teaching & Studio Environments, Children & Young People

Guides
Understanding UK DanceSport Organisations
A public-information guide comparing the roles, leagues, competition formats, membership routes, voice and support arrangements of six DanceSport organisations relevant to people participating in the UK.
Competition & Performance, Teaching & Studio Environments, Parents & Families, Children & Young People

Articles & Insights
Finding the Right Mental Wellbeing Support as a Dancer
Mental wellbeing support can take many forms, and knowing where to begin is not always straightforward. This article explains the difference between practical studio support, performance psychology, counselling and clinical care, while helping dancers check qualifications, understand professional boundaries and find reliable sources of help.
Wellbeing

Articles & Insights
Supporting Your Dancing Child: Why Parents Need Clearer Guidance in DanceSport
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.
Children & Young People, Parents & Families, Wellbeing, Competition & Performance

Articles & Insights
Supporting Mental Wellbeing in DanceSport Communities
DanceSport can support confidence, connection and enjoyment, but competition, comparison and public evaluation can also create pressure. This article considers how people across the community can help create supportive environments and recognise when appropriate help may be needed.
Wellbeing, Competition & Performance

Articles & Insights
How Children Develop: Looking More Closely
Children of the same age can be at very different stages of physical, emotional and cognitive development. This article looks more closely at how growth, fatigue, concentration and emotional maturity can affect a child’s experience in DanceSport.
Children & Young People, Parents & Families

Articles & Insights
The Impact of Digital Media on Young Dancers’ Self-Esteem and Identity Development
Digital media has changed how young dancers see themselves and their place within the dance world. This article considers how online comparison, visibility and constant exposure to dance content can affect self-esteem and identity development.
Children & Young People, Parents & Families, Wellbeing

Articles & Insights
The Many Hats of Dance Teachers & Studio Owners
A broader look at the many roles carried by dance teachers and studio owners, and the pressures, responsibilities and expectations that can come with supporting dancers while managing the demands of teaching and studio life.
Teaching & Studio Environments, Wellbeing

Guides
Supporting Your Dancing Child Guide
A practical guide for parents and families supporting children and young people in DanceSport, bringing together information on development, wellbeing, competition, communication and the wider dance environment.
Children & Young People, Parents & Families, Wellbeing, Competition & Performance

Guides
Juggling the Many Hats of a Dance Teacher & Studio Owner Resource Guide
A practical guide for dance teachers and studio owners, bringing together information and support around wellbeing, professional pressures, communication and the wider responsibilities of teaching and running a dance environment.
Teaching & Studio Environments, Wellbeing

Tools & Worksheets
Supporting Your Dancing Child Practical Worksheets Pack
A practical worksheet pack for families and young dancers, with tools to support reflection on digital habits, wellbeing, communication, competition days, rest and balance.
Children & Young People, Parents & Families, Wellbeing, Competition & Performance
Looking for wellbeing or specialist support? Visit the Wellbeing Signposting Hub.

