Pilot study of a manualized behavioral coaching program to improve dance performance.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Dance education
• Skill acquisition

Background:

• Dance instructors often lack professional development in behavioral coaching techniques.
• Manualized interventions offer accessible and affordable solutions for implementing evidence-based practices.
• Behavioral coaching can enhance skill development in various domains, including the performing arts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a manualized behavioral coaching intervention, the POINTE Program.
• To determine if the POINTE Program can improve student dance performance.
• To assess the feasibility of dance instructors implementing behavioral coaching procedures.

Main Methods:

• A multiple baseline design across skills was employed.
• Four dance instructors and four students (ages 6-13) participated.
• Instructors utilized the POINTE Program to select target skills and coaching procedures, implementing them with fidelity.

Main Results:

• Instructors successfully used the POINTE Program to identify skills and select coaching strategies.
• Implementation of behavioral coaching procedures (e.g., auditory feedback, video modeling) led to skill improvements in all students.
• The POINTE Program demonstrated fidelity in instructor implementation.

Conclusions:

• The study provides initial evidence for the efficacy of the POINTE Program in enhancing student dance performance.
• Manualized behavioral coaching interventions are a viable approach for dance education.
• Accessible training programs can empower dance instructors to use evidence-based coaching.