Moving Minds

At National Youth Ballet, we believe that looking after your mind is just as important as looking after your body. Moving Minds is our programme supporting the mental health, wellbeing and confidence of young dancers. Through workshops and practical activities, young people focus on specific topics of health and well-being, aimed at increasing resilience and a positive mindset in young dancers.

Our first ever Moving Minds workshops took place in February 2021, and looked at how to nurture young dancers’ mindset, ways to adapt to new challenges, develop confidence and support ongoing health and wellbeing. 64 young dancers took part and feedback included:

“The entire course really taught me a lot about confidence and well-being, and I came away from the class feeling enlightened and more confident in myself.”

“I learnt how to control my nerves before a big event but also to accept the fact that it’s okay to be nervous.”

“I strongly believe that the Moving Minds sessions are something that every dancer should have access to… to understand the importance of the relationship between your mind and body and how it is a key aspect in being a healthy and happy dancer.”

– Participants of the Moving Minds sessions at the Dancers’ Development Experience