Michelle S. Dwarika's Avatar

Michelle S. Dwarika

@midwarika.bsky.social

Doctoral Researcher at the University of Birmingham studying mental skills training in dance |MAS in Dance Science.

199 Followers  |  177 Following  |  41 Posts  |  Joined: 10.11.2024  |  1.8096

Latest posts by midwarika.bsky.social on Bluesky

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Our scoping review on safeguarding and abuse prevention has been published!

Read it here:

www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

14.01.2026 08:06 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

πŸ’‘ What’s needed next?
🀝 Co-develop MSTs with dancers & facilitators
πŸ” Evaluate not just outcomes, but how interventions work
🧠 Use clearer frameworks that include mental qualities, not just techniques
#DanceWellbeing #PerformancePsychology

13.11.2025 17:50 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

⚠️ Reporting on how interventions were adapted or delivered was often unclear.
Key fidelity items like β€œtailoring” & β€œmodifications” were underreported.
πŸ› οΈ This limits how well we can evaluate what works.
#TIDieR

13.11.2025 17:50 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

🎯 Some MSTs showed positive outcomes β€” especially when they reflected dancers’ goals, needs & context.
But…
🚫 No studies involved dancers in designing the interventions.
#ParticipatoryResearch #DanceScience

13.11.2025 17:49 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Our mixed methods systematic review is now live on BMJ Open.
It maps 21 studies using the TIDieR framework to assess how interventions are designed, delivered & reported.
#DanceResearch #MentalSkillsTraining #BMJOpen

13.11.2025 17:48 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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That’s a wrap! Attending the first Safer Sport congress was inspirational. So many colleagues do such excellent work in making Sport and Dance a better place. Together we are stronger - let’s continue to make safeguarding a priority in thr sports and dance world!

21.06.2025 11:19 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Oh, Montreal! What a beautiful city and what a great start to our journey towards the Safer in Sport congress it has been

🧭 We explored the city, visited the basilica and ate well

πŸŽͺ We got to see Luzia by @cirquedusoleil. πŸ₯Ή

#saferinsportcongress #canada #montreal

16.06.2025 10:15 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Exciting news! πŸŽ‰

The 2nd National Survey of Safeguarding and Abuse Prevention in Dance, in collaboration with One Dance UK and the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, is now open!

Let's prioritise safeguarding in dance and create a community where every dancer feels safe. πŸ’ƒπŸ•Ί

02.05.2025 10:28 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
An image depicting paper ripped across the middle to reveal the words 'Presenations coming soon, stay tuned'. At the top of the image is The SPRINT Project logo, with information about the conference at the bottom of the image: 1st International Congress on Safe Sport Research, Quebec City, Canada, June 18-20, 2025. #ICSSR2025

An image depicting paper ripped across the middle to reveal the words 'Presenations coming soon, stay tuned'. At the top of the image is The SPRINT Project logo, with information about the conference at the bottom of the image: 1st International Congress on Safe Sport Research, Quebec City, Canada, June 18-20, 2025. #ICSSR2025

Looking forward to sharing the next chapter of our #safedanceresearch on 'Safeguarding and abuse prevention policies of UK Dance Organisations' at #ICSSR2025

with Erin Sanchez, @georgiabird.bsky.social , @mkolitsida.bsky.social , @gracetidmarsh.bsky.social , @maryquinton.bsky.social

07.03.2025 09:19 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Looking forward to sharing the results of our scoping review on on 'Abuse and Harm in Dance at #ICSSR2025

with Erin Sanchez, @mkolitsida.bsky.social , @gracetidmarsh.bsky.social , @maryquinton.bsky.social
@jenncumming.bsky.social

07.03.2025 09:46 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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This protocol describes a study exploring the mental skills freelance dancers need to navigate their careers. By integrating insights from dancers and psychologists, we aim to develop a meaningful, evidence based Mental Skills Training (MST) program. #DanceResearch #MentalSkills #FreelanceArtists

20.02.2025 19:41 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Applications invited for post graduate research study on professional ballet dancers’ mental health Come study with us! We are recruiting candidates for a MSc by Research/MSc (Res)Β project in collaboration with the Birmingham Royal Ballet to start in October 2025.Β About the ProjectΒ This exciting Mas...

🎭 Dive Into Dance Research! 1/ 🩰 Passionate about ballet and mental health? Join our unique MSc (Res) project in collaboration with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, starting October 2025.

www.sprintproject.org/post/applica...

12.02.2025 11:20 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Kirsty presents at UK Sports Institute (UKSI) Mental Health in Elite Sport Conference on ADHD in elite athletes On Wednesday Kirsty had the great opportunityΒ to present alongside Dr Allan Johnston at the UKSI Mental Health in Elite Sport conferenceΒ on her PhD project on ADHD and athletes, in collaboration withΒ ...

This week, SPRINT Project PhD student Kirsty Brown presented at the UK Sports Institute Mental Health in Elite Sport conference, alongside Dr Allan Johnston, on ADHD and athletes!

Check out our latest blog post to find out more ⬇️

www.sprintproject.org/post/kirsty-...

31.01.2025 13:20 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Yay the IMH is on Bluesky! Super exciting! Follow for all things youth mental health @imh-uob.bsky.social

23.01.2025 18:51 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Your guide to staying grounded- Explore our most popular resources Grounding techniques are powerful tools for staying present, calming your mind, and building emotional resilience. These techniques provide ways to stay focused and centred during challenging momentsβ€”...

Life feeling a little hectic?

Grounding techniques are a powerful tool for staying present and managing stress 🌱

See our latest blog post to learn more and have free access to grounding resources and infographics!

www.sprintproject.org/post/your-gu...

24.01.2025 12:13 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Our thoughts exactly… we feel that dancers describe what @ipcookson.bsky.social has mentioned but that interventions often don’t involve the target users in their developmental stages (athletes/ dancers). Good to hear though that my thoughts are shared! 😊

22.01.2025 17:43 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

We are currently mapping different mental techniques/ skills other than Β«the canonΒ» - self-talk, goal-setting, imagery (and sometimes mindfulness) in dance. Surely there should be more in sport too? Am often surprised how the narrative still goes: Β«these 4 tools will make you succeedΒ»

22.01.2025 16:54 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Rest for Success In our fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of constant activity, believing that more effort equals more success. Yet, academic research and the lives of athletes and dancers have reveale...

Don't underestimate the power of rest for success!

And don't just take our word for it, see our latest blog post to learn from athletes, dancers, and scientific research ⬇️

www.sprintproject.org/post/rest-fo...

#rest #recovery #success #sportpsychology #wellbeing

17.01.2025 13:29 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Congratulations on reaching this milestone, Steve!

15.01.2025 19:53 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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New Year, Less Pressure Happy New Year from all of us at the SPRINT Project! As we welcome 2025, we hope you’veΒ had a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy the festive season.Β Β Β This time of yearΒ often comes with a societal pr...


Happy New Year from The SPRINT Project!

Take the pressure off setting goals for 2025 with our easy strengths-based review!

See our latest blog post to find out more ⬇️

www.sprintproject.org/post/new-yea...

10.01.2025 11:06 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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And yet again we say: adie, Basel! I had another great Christmas with our Swiss family. I’ve eaten and drunk my way through quite a few aperos and tons of good food. I neither confirm nor deny to have eaten my weight in Christmas cookies. Quality time, indeed β€οΈπŸ™ŒπŸ»

29.12.2024 15:50 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Merry Christmas @richsimpson95.bsky.social

25.12.2024 19:26 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Merry Christmas, Emma! Awww look at this furry beauty ❀️

21.12.2024 08:03 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Love it! Cats DO know. Happy Holidays, Maria!

20.12.2024 19:39 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Happy Holidays from The SPRINT Project! As we approach the holiday season, The SPRINT Project team wants to extend our warmest wishes to everyone. This time of year can bring joy, relaxation, and a much-needed break from our busy lives. However, we also recognize that it can come with its own set of challenges. That's why we've gathered some self-care tips from our team members to help you navigate the festive season with a sense of well-being.Keeping Movingβ€œI will be making the most of spending time with my family but making sure to

Happy holidays!

See our latest blog post for some top self-care tips for the season: www.sprintproject.org/post/happy-h...

Thank you for joining us and see you in 2025!

#wellbeing #selfcare #gratitude #connection #mindfulness #sportpsychology

20.12.2024 15:31 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

πŸ’‘Showcasing talented postgraduate researchersπŸ’‘

Today our team members @midwarika.bsky.social, Kirsty Brown, and Fiona Clarke presented their research at the annual postgraduate research day!

Read our latest post to find out more:
www.sprintproject.org/post/postgra...

#research #sportsscience

17.12.2024 16:44 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

What a cool idea @jenncumming.bsky.social πŸ™ŒπŸ»

15.12.2024 08:16 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

A blog about Kirsty, @mkolitsida.bsky.social and I attending a very interesting and fun productive public engagement event!

13.12.2024 12:56 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Well said @gracetidmarsh.bsky.social !

See the full report on our website www.sprintproject.org/disseminatio...

12.12.2024 15:39 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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SPRINT Project Wrapped As we near the end of 2024, we wanted to reflect on the year we've had. So, here's a look back at some of your favourite SPRINT Project blog posts from the past year!In 2024, you really enjoyed our personal stories and team updates, practical advice and tips, and new innovations and initiatives. Click the links to see the original blog post. Starting at number 1010) The why and how of intervention frameworks – a report about visiting a person-based approach workshopYou enjoyed exploring interven

πŸš€Reflecting on 2024's highlights⭐

Our top 10 blog posts covered everything from mental health initiatives to marathon tips. See our latest post for personal stories, achievements, and practical advice!

Here's to more insights in 2025! πŸŽ‰

www.sprintproject.org/post/sprint-...

#yearinreview

06.12.2024 12:14 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

@midwarika is following 20 prominent accounts