
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME...
Qualifications
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
PhD Dance Psychology
MSc Dance Science
BA(Hons) Dance
CPD
Acceptance and commitment therapy (International Association of Therapists accredited)
Research mentorship training
Life coaching (individual and group)
Mental health awareness
Counselling skills
Mental health first aid
Awards and nominations
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Nominated for One Dance UK Health and Wellbeing in Dance Award 2022
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Shortlisted for One Dance UK Science and Research in Dance Award 2022
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Nominated for One Dance UK Inspirational Lecturer Award 2021
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Shortlisted for One Dance UK Dance Science Award 2019
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Nominated for One Dance UK Research in Dance – Impact Award 2019
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Nominated for One Dance UK Research in Dance – Impact Award 2018
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Nominated for One Dance UK Dance Science Award 2018
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Nominated for One Dance UK Inspirational Lecturer Award 2018
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Won Dr Marjorie Moore Award for research poster “Injury Tracking in Pre-Vocational Dancers”, first-authored by Dr Sarah Needham-Beck, IADMS Annual Conference 2013
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Won Harkness Centre for Dance Injuries Award for research poster “An Inquiry into the Correlation between Knee Injuries and Hypermobility”, first-authored by Stephanie De'Ath, IADMS Annual Conference 2013
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Journal article “Talent Identification and Development in Dance: A Review of the Literature” selected as part of Arts Education Editors' Choice in 2011
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Won first prize award for research poster “Commitment to Elite Dance Training: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training”, British Psychological Society Conference, 2010
Lecturing and course leadership
I have over 15 years' experience as a lecturer, senior lecturer, and course leader in Higher Education. I worked as a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader of the MSc Dance Science at the University of Bedfordshire for almost a decade. I have substantial experience of lecturing in dance psychology, dance science, inclusive dance, research methods, and dance technique as well as dissertation and PhD supervisor at a variety of institutions including the University of Bedfordshire, the University of Bern, and Trinity Laban.
Research projects
Click on the project title to find out more:
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Representation and Equity in Dance (RED project), started 2023
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Hear and Now (2019-2020)
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The Role and Impact of Freelancers in the UK Dance Industry (2018-2019)
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Accessing Pathways to Training for Young Disabled Dancers (2018-2019)
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Generations Dancing (2018-2019)
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Access, Inclusion and Excellence (2016-2018)
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Independent Dancers: Roles, Motivation and Success (2014-2016)
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Changing Perceptions (2011-2012)
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The Identification and Development of Young Talented Dancers (2008-2011)
Publications
Book chapters
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Aujla, I.J., & Jones, L. (in press) ‘Conversations: Inclusive Dance’, in Colin, N., & Seago, C. (eds.) Ethical Agility in Dance: Rethinking Technique in British Contemporary Dance. Oxon: Routledge.
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Mainwaring, L., & Aujla, I.J. (2023) ‘Qualitative research’, in Welsh, T., Mainwaring, L., & Ambegaonkar, J. (eds.) Research in the Dance Sciences. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, pp. 180-196.
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Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J. (2020) 'Notions of place in relation to freelance arts careers', in Weedon, A., & Ashley, T. (eds.) A Sense of Place. London: UCL Press.
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Aujla, I.J., Redding, E., & Jobbins, V. (2017) 'Supporting change: The identification and development of talented young dancers with disabilities', in Burridge, S., & Svendler Nielsen, C. (eds.) Dance, Access and Inclusion: Perspectives on Dance, Young People and Change. London: Routledge, pp. 75-84.
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Mainwaring, L., & Aujla, I.J. (2017) 'Psychological wellness', in Wilmdering, M.V., & Krasnow, D. (eds.) Dancer Wellness. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, pp. 71-82.
Journal articles
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Farrer, R., Douse, L., & Aujla, I.J. (2022) ‘Sustainable arts and health: The role of a university in facilitating an intergenerational, interdisciplinary community arts project’, Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 26(1), 89-103.
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Aujla, I.J., Jenkins, L., King, N., & Farrer, R. (2021) ‘Psychological wellbeing and grit among freelancers in the UK dance industry’, Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 36(4), 233-237.
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Jenkins, L., Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J. (2021) ‘Understanding the impact of an intergenerational arts and health project: A study into the psychological wellbeing of participants, carers and artists. Public Health, doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.02.029
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Aujla, I.J. (2021) ‘Opening pathways to training for young disabled dancers: An action research approach’, Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, doi: 10.1080/19443927.2021.1877805
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Douse, L., Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J. (2020) ‘The impact of an intergenerational dance project on older adults’ social and emotional well-being’, Frontiers in Psychology, doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.561126
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Needham-Beck, S.C., & Aujla, I.J. (2020) ‘Development of a performance evaluation tool to track progress in an inclusive dance syllabus’, Research in Dance Education, doi: 10.1080/14647893.2020.1746256
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Aujla, I.J. (2019) ‘"It’s my dream come true”: Experiences and outcomes of an inclusive talent development programme’, British Journal of Special Education, doi: 10.1111/1467-8578.12297
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Urmston, E., & Aujla, I.J. (2019) 'Values, attributes and practices of dance artists in inclusive dance talent development contexts', Journal of Dance Education, doi: 10.1080/15290824.2019.1652755
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Aujla, I.J., & Needham-Beck, S.C. (2019) ‘Subjective wellbeing among young dancers with disabilities’, International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, doi: 10.1080/1034912X.2019.1615607
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Farrer, R., & Aujla, I.J. (2016) 'Understanding the independent dancer: Roles, development and success', Dance Research, 34(2), pp. 202-219.
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Nordin-Bates, S., Schwarz, J., Quested, E., Cumming, J., Aujla, I.J., & Redding, E. (2016) 'Within- and between-person predictors of disordered eating attitudes among male and female dancers: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 27, pp.101-111.
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Aujla, I.J., & Farrer, R. (2015) 'The role of psychological factors in the career of the independent dancer', Frontiers in Psychology. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01688.
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Aujla, I.J., Nordin-Bates, S.M., & Redding, E. (2015) 'Multidisciplinary predictors of adherence to dance', Journal of Sport Sciences, 33(15), pp. 1564-1573.
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Nordin-Bates, S.M., Hill, A., Cumming, J., Aujla, I.J., & Redding, E. (2014) 'A longitudinal examination of the relationship between perfectionism and motivational climate in dance', Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 36(4), pp. 382-391.
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Aujla, I.J., Nordin-Bates, S.M., Redding, E., & Jobbins, V. (2014) 'Developing talent among young dancers: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 5 (1), pp.15-30.
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Padham, M., & Aujla, I.J. (2014) 'The relationship between passion and the psychological well-being of professional dancers', Journal of Dance Medicine and Science, 18 (1), pp. 37-44.
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Aujla, I.J., Nordin-Bates, S.M., & Redding, E. (2014) 'A qualitative investigation of commitment to dance: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', Research in Dance Education, 15 (2), pp. 138-160.
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Steinberg, N., Aujla, I.J., Zeev, A., & Redding, E. (2014) 'Injuries among talented young dancers: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', International Journal of Sports Medicine, 35 (3), pp. 238-244.
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Aujla, I.J., & Redding, E. (2014) 'The identification and development of young talented dancers with disabilities', Research in Dance Education, 15 (1), pp. 54-70.
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Aujla, I.J., & Redding, E. (2013) 'Barriers to dance training for young people with disabilities', British Journal of Special Education, 40 (2), pp. 80-85.
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Sanchez, E.N., Aujla, I.J., & Nordin-Bates, S.M. (2013) 'Cultural background variables in dance talent development: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', Research in Dance Education, 14 (3), pp. 260-278.
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Walker, I.J., Nordin-Bates, S.M., & Redding, E. (2012) 'A mixed methods investigation of dropout among talented young dancers: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', Journal of Dance Medicine and Science, 16 (2) pp. 65-73.
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Nordin-Bates, S.M., Quested, E., Walker, I.J., & Redding, E. (2012) 'Climate change in the dance studio: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, 1 (1) pp. 3-16.
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Walker, I.J., Nordin-Bates, S. M., & Redding, E. (2011) 'Characteristics of talented dancers and age group differences: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', High Ability Studies, 22 (1) pp. 43-60.
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Nordin-Bates, S. M., Walker, I.J., & Redding, E (2011) 'Correlates of disordered eating attitudes among male and female young talented dancers: Findings from the UK Centres for Advanced Training', Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, 19 (3) pp. 211-233.
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Nordin-Bates, S. M., Walker, I.J., Baker, J., Garner, J., Hardy, C., Irvine, S., Jola, C., Laws, H., & Blevins, P. (2011) 'Injury, imagery, and self-esteem in dance: Healthy minds in injured bodies? Journal of Dance Medicine and Science, 15 (2) pp. 76-85.
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Walker, I.J., & Nordin-Bates, S.M. (2010) 'Performance anxiety experiences of professional dancers: The importance of control', Journal of Dance Medicine and Science, 14 (4) pp. 133-145.
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Walker, I.J., Nordin-Bates, S.M., & Redding, E. (2010) 'Talent identification and development in dance: A review of the literature', Research in Dance Education, 11 (3) pp. 165-189.