Posted by: IADMS Promotion Committee

Throughout August and September, we will be publishing interviews with some of our invited speakers for #IADMS2018 in Helsinki. Check out our first interview with Camilla Knight!

1. Could you tell us about your presentation theme at the 28th IADMS Annual Conference (#IADMS2018)?

The focus of my presentation is on working with parents of dancers. Specifically, the presentation is focused on three key areas; 1) understanding the important role that parents play in facilitating children’s involvement in dance and supporting them through their dancing journey, 2) recognising some of the challenges or issues that parents may encounter, and 3) examining strategies to optimise parental involvement in dance and how dance practitioners work with parents.

2. Why is it import to discuss this topic with the IADMS community? What are the implications of this topic to the dance sector/dance health professionals?

This topic is important for the dance community because without the support and guidance from parents, most children and young people would never have the opportunity to engage in dance or to reach their potential. Parents are key influencers in their child’s life, impacting on perceptions of competence, motivation, enjoyment, and long-term engagement with activity among others. As such, working with parents to help them to optimise their involvement in their child’s dancing life is of great value to ensure that children can reach their potential while also having positive psychosocial and developmental experiences.

3. What are your thoughts on IADMS relevance for your field of work?

The mission of IADMS which broadly seeks to enhance the health, well-being, and performance in dance through the development and application of science and training aligns closely with the aims of my work. My work and research with parents is driven by a desire to enhance child and young people’s psychosocial experiences in sport settings through appropriate understanding of children’s and parents’ experiences and the application of this research in practice. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to learn more from the IADMS community to further understanding about parents and their involvement within the dance community.

4. Personally, what is the importance of attending to IADMS annual conferences?

Although I have never personally attended the IADMS conference before, I believe there is great value in practitioners, researchers, and the broader dance community coming together for this conference. Having opportunities to share best practice and reflect on individual and collective experiences, will facilitate opportunities to enhance the development and experiences of dancers around the world.

5. What do you think you are most looking forward to on this year’s conference?

I am really looking forward to learning from individuals across the IDAMS community and having an opportunity to gain unique insights into the science and practice of dance. I am particularly excited to see how experts within the IADAMS community are managing the integration and application of science within their practice.