Literature review #3

The person behind the mask: A guide to performing arts psychology by Linda H. Hamilton

The Blurb summarizes how Dr. Linda Hamilton takes her readers on a 'vivid journey into the performers private world'. This book gives a lot of insight into being a professional performer and the effects it can have on different performers in different situations. I feel like this is really relevant to my inquiry as to be a great head dancer I believe you need to understand the backgrounds of the people you are working with and there are various people within the company I work for who have dealt with the situations that Hamilton discusses. 

Contents: 

Introduction

Training considerations for performers

Weight standards for stage and screen

Personal relationships in the Arts

Focusing the spotlight on Performance

Occupational Injuries and Retirement

Performing Arts Psychology

An Overview of Narcissism

Resource Directory

References

Author Index

Subject Index

About the Author

The main section that I have focused on in this book is 'Personal relationships in the Arts', mainly because I have to look at the relationship that I have with my team and understand the situations where they have come from with other leaders in their work life. 

Hamilton discusses how performers home life can determine their reactions to authority. A study on the New York City Ballet company showed that eighty six percent of dancers idealized their director as a powerful father figure in their lives. Obviously this is based on a ballet company where dancers have performed for many years and I am working with a team for possibly just one season, however I do believe the information that Hamilton provides is useful to my development as a 'leader' in the entertainment sector.

I have had issues on my team with conflict, sometimes an attitude towards myself which then affects the performers learning or very often a conflict with another team member which affects how both members perform. Hamilton discusses 'Interventions' and talks about 'performers who exhibit conflicts with authority', this section is really relevant to my role as I would prefer not to have any conflict within my team, however when this is unavoidable it is essential to be equipped with the tools to deal with it.