At the National College of Dance, we believe a strong dancer is supported physically, emotionally and socially.
The following trusted resources have been selected to help parents and carers support their dancer’s wellbeing at home. They cover dancer health, nutrition, body image, self-talk, friendships, emotional regulation, mindfulness, performance preparation and navigating the teenage years.
These resources are suitable for different ages and circumstances. We encourage parents to choose the information that is most relevant to their dancer and family.
A free Australian resource developed specifically for dancers, teachers and parents. It provides evidence-based information about nutrition, hydration, recovery, sleep, hormones, low energy availability, training load and supporting a dancer’s long-term wellbeing.
Specialist, non-diet support for dancers and performing artists. Resources and professional services cover dance nutrition, body image, disordered eating, eating disorders and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).
Hosted by former dancer, teacher and studio owner Kate Histon-Behrend, Dance Real explores dance culture, confidence, perfectionism, communication, nervous-system regulation, psychological safety and the realities of high-performance training.
Some episodes may be more suitable for parents and older dancers, so families are encouraged to select topics appropriate for their dancer’s age.
The way dancers speak to themselves can affect their confidence, enjoyment, resilience and willingness to try something difficult.
Practical ideas for helping younger children respond to mistakes and disappointments without becoming overly critical of themselves.
Helps parents teach teenagers to notice harsh self-talk, manage difficult feelings and respond to themselves with greater kindness.
Information about recognising low self-esteem and supporting teenagers to develop confidence and a stronger sense of self-worth.
Friendships are an important part of a young dancer’s experience. Parents can help by listening calmly, remaining curious and supporting their child without immediately taking over every situation.
Practical guidance for supporting friendships, managing friendship changes and helping children develop healthy relationship skills.
Australian advice about recognising cyberbullying, supporting your child, keeping evidence, reporting harmful content and responding without removing an important source of connection.
Children and teenagers are influenced by the way adults speak about food, weight, exercise and their own bodies. Families can help by avoiding appearance-based criticism, removing labels such as “good” and “bad” foods, and recognising that growing, active dancers need sufficient nourishment.
Free information and activities to help families support positive body image and create a home environment that is respectful of all bodies.
Specialist, non-diet support for dancers and performing artists. Resources and professional services cover dance nutrition, body image, disordered eating, eating disorders and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).
Australian Government information about variety, balanced eating and meeting the nutritional needs of growing children and teenagers.
Information for parents and older dancers about Low Energy Availability and RED-S, which can occur when a dancer is not consuming enough energy to support growth, health and training demands.
If you are concerned about your dancer’s eating, body image, energy levels, growth, menstrual cycle or relationship with food, please seek advice from a GP or appropriately qualified dietitian.
Short mindfulness and meditation activities can help dancers settle after a busy school day, manage nerves, regulate emotions, improve concentration and prepare for class or performance.
A free Australian app with age-appropriate meditation, relaxation, emotional regulation and sleep activities for children, teenagers and families. Content can be filtered according to age and individual needs.
A simple five-step approach to helping young people recognise, name and manage strong emotions.
Helpful information for parents supporting children through anxiety, worries, perfectionism, auditions and performance nerves.
Visualisation—also known as mental imagery—is the practice of rehearsing movement or performance in the mind.
Dancers can imagine:
Dance-specific information about using imagery to learn choreography, develop movement quality, build confidence and prepare for performances and auditions.
Rest is part of training. Adequate sleep and recovery support learning, concentration, growth, emotional regulation, injury prevention and performance.
Practical information about teenage sleep needs and establishing healthy sleep routines.
Guidance for families balancing school, homework, evening activities and sufficient rest.
Understanding and supporting teenagers
Adolescence brings significant physical, emotional and social changes. Staying connected, listening without judgement and allowing teenagers to develop independence can help parents remain a trusted source of support.
Trusted Australian information organised by age and stage, covering child development, behaviour, friendships, health, communication and mental wellbeing.
Warm, practical guidance about adolescence, connection, resilience, emotions, behaviour and maintaining a strong parent–teen relationship.
Free Australian resources to help parents understand and support children’s mental health, emotions, behaviour, anxiety and development.
These authors offer additional perspectives on parenting, courage, connection, vulnerability, mindfulness and personal growth. They are included as optional further reading rather than professional health advice.
Resources exploring courage, vulnerability, empathy, shame and belonging. Parents may particularly enjoy her Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto.
Books, podcasts and articles offering practical support for raising children and teenagers. Her book Help Me Help My Teen may be particularly useful for parents of adolescent dancers.
Meditations and personal-growth resources for adults, with a focus on mindfulness, spirituality and managing unhelpful thought patterns.
Asking for support is a sign of strength. A GP is often a helpful first point of contact and can provide advice or refer your child to an appropriate health professional.
Free early-intervention support for young people aged 12–25, including mental health and counselling, general health, relationships, education and employment support.
Phone: (02) 4929 4201
Free, private and confidential counselling for young people aged 5–25, available 24 hours a day.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Free telephone counselling, information and referral support for NSW parents and carers of children aged 0–18.
Phone: 1300 1300 52
Search for psychologists by location, area of practice or the type of support required.
Find nearby GPs, psychologists, dietitians and other health services.
These resources are provided for general information and do not replace individual medical, psychological or nutritional advice.
If you are concerned about your dancer’s physical or emotional wellbeing, please speak with your GP or an appropriately qualified health professional.
If a child or young person is in immediate danger or requires urgent assistance, call Triple Zero (000).
Please provide us with some basic contact details and an instructor will be in touch with you shortly.
Please provide us with some basic contact details and an instructor will be in touch with you shortly.
Please provide us with some basic contact details and an instructor will be in touch with you shortly.
Please provide us with some basic contact details and an instructor will be in touch with you shortly.