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A mixed methods investigation of dropout among talented young dancers: findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training.

  • Imogen J. Walker
    ,
  • Sanna M. Nordin‐Bates
    ,
  • Emma Redding
Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
 Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand reasons for dropout from a dance-talent program in the UK, using a mixed methods design. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten dropout students to explore the influencing factors in their decision to leave the program. In order to triangulate these findings, reasons for dropout were then examined from descriptive records of 147 young dancers who had withdrawn from the talent program over a four-year period. Overall, the most frequently cited reasons for dropping out were conflicting demands, change in aspirations, course content, difficulty making friends, and lost passion. Injury, financial factors, low perceived competence, and teacher behavior emerged as minor reasons. Intervention strategies that focus on changes in course content may be the easiest to implement and most effective means to enhance student retention.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
 Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 65-73

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Dance Medicine and Science (Volume 16, Issue 2)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/01/2012

Publication status

Published - 01/01/2012

ISSN

1089-313X

Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/253857
  • Scopus: 84867409367

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