My Story

My journey began as a child falling in love with movement. After suffering injuries that ended my training, I studied Psychology, Dance Science, and Psychological Coaching. I went on completing my PhD in Dance Psychology, then lectured in both dance and psychology in Higher Education. In 2018, I began working as the dance psychologist, drawing on my expertise as a psychologist, educator, and researcher to develop evidence-based coaching, consultancy, and workshops for the performing arts sector. When the Coronavirus Pandemic disrupted the industry in 2020, I chose to step away from my academic role to focus fully on supporting individuals in the performing arts. In 2024, after the birth of my first baby, I developed my focus, and have since centred on helping organisations, leaders, and creative communities build environments that nurture both artistry and wellbeing, alongside supporting individuals.

My Approach

Research and evidence are at the heart of everything I do. My expertise lies in the psychosocial foundations of optimal wellbeing performance, which means understanding how teachers, leaders, training environments, and cultural norms shape the experience of dancers and performers.

By working at a systemic level, I help individuals and organisations to:

• Embed wellbeing into rehearsal and training environments

• Equip leaders and educators with psychological tools to support their teams

• Develop practices that sustain both artistic excellence and mental health

• Create cultural change across institutions and productions

Highlights

• 2017: Graduated with a PhD in the Psychology of Creativity in Dance and became a Chartered Psychologist.

• 2020: Shortlisted for One Dance UK’s Applied Dance Scientist Award for supporting dancers during the pandemic.

• 2021: Nominated for the One Dance UK People’s Choice Award and the IADMS Dance Educator Award.

• 2022: Commissioned by Equity UK to publish a review on Mental Health in the Performing Arts Industry.

My Why

I believe that wellbeing in the performing arts can’t be left to individuals alone — it must be embedded into the systems that surround them. Whether advising national organisations, designing training for leaders, or consulting on cultural change to, my goal is always the same: to create environments where creativity and mental health can thrive together.

Dr Lucie x