Sanna Nordin-Bates

I teach sport psychology, health psychology, dance psychology and research methods. This is mainly within the BSc in Psychology, the MSc in Sports Science, and in free-standing courses. I also lead the introduction course for new PhD candidates.

My research focuses mainly on dance environments, autonomy and healthy motivation, and perfectionism.

During 2026-2027, I work 50 per cent with the Royal Ballet on the project Coaching Ballet Dancers for the 21st Century: Autonomy and Self-Regulation in a Changing Culture. For more information about this project, see Riksbankens Jubileumsfond's website External link, opens in new window..

Previous research projects have, amongst other things, focused on:

• Imagery, as mental practice and as a creative tool in dance
• Talent development and early specialisation
• Eating disorder risk factors in dance
• Creativity

In 2023, my book "Essentials of Dance Psychology" was published by Human Kinetics.

In addition to my collaborative project with the Royal Ballet (see research interests above), I have collaborated with the Swedish Royal Ballet School for many years. I sit in the steering group for the professional dancer education at Balettakademien and am a member of the advisory board on dancer education (Department of Education). Every other year, I teach on perfectionism and mental training within the Master of Applied Sciences in Dance Sciences at the University of Bern.

I have also regularly held talks for the Gymnastics Federation, e.g., on their Elite Forum days and for NextGen, an initiative for future elite coaches.

I am affiliated with "The Sprint Project External link, opens in new window." at the University of Birmingham, UK (Sport Psychology Research in New Territories) and am an external supervisor for PhD candidates Michelle Dwarika and Emma Morgan there.

I am also an external supervisor for PhD candidate Verity Pratt External link, opens in new window. at York St John University in the UK.