Attention is like a muscle that becomes stronger and more controllableover time. (Watson 2017, 250) If you just pause a moment over this internet page, notice how many millions of possible stimuli there are around you, all vying for your attention. That might be screen publicity, attractive images, pop ups, notifications – now take your attention away from the screen and notice any background sounds or noise you can hear – the traffic, children playing, a distant music. Take your attention up and notice the colours outside the window. Take your attention far away to the movement of the clouds and then suddenly inwards to any discomfort or tension you […]

We can all relate to the central role that mental and attentional training plays in high level sports. We easily recognise that the difference between a high performer – just think of Roger Federer – and one that perhaps did not quite make the grade is not about having more muscles, more physical training or more skills knowledge – but rather the wisdom of their choice of focus and attention under pressure and the essential ability to reset the mind when all seems to go off plan. In the last twenty years sports science has indeed made tremendous advances in harnessing the make or break power of the mind and […]

Virtual Workshop and Launch – 11th November 5pm CET/4pm UK/11am EST This pandemic has been devastating for the dance world, for the art form and particularly for dancers – the effects have made us question every aspect of dance from our practical ways of working, how to maintain a healthy body and mind in confinement to creating digitally and communicating the human experience and emotions through a virtual screen. Dancers have displayed their ingenious and pioneering spirit to overcome the physical barriers and come together on line to celebrate their connection and passion for dance. However its perhaps even more essential in these unprecedented times to use this opportunity to […]

Wednesday 11th November 5pm-6pm CET/11am-12pm EST (6pm Helsinki time) is a date for your diary! We’ll be launching and celebrating Attention and Focus in Dance: Enhancing Power, Precision, and Artistry by Clare Guss-West. Join dancers, teachers, ballet masters and dancer health care practitioners from across the globe from Finland, France, UK and the US in a fun introductory workshop and explore this ‘new frontier’ in dance. I’ll be sharing some professional take-home attention and focus tips for use in regular dance class and performance. You’ll feel the immediate effect on precision, power and energy. I’ll be joined by guests: Dr Gabriele Wulf, PhD, UNLV Distinguished Professor, University of Nevada, Las […]