Prioritizing Mental Health in Cheer and Dance:
August 14, 2024
Prioritizing Mental Health in Cheer and Dance: A Guide for Coaches
By: Tara Langston
As cheer and dance coaches, you play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of young athletes. Beyond perfecting routines and honing physical skills, one of your most crucial responsibilities is to prioritize and support the mental health of your team. In the high-energy world of cheer and dance, where precision, performance, and perseverance are paramount, it’s essential to recognize the significant impact mental well-being has on overall success.
The Importance of Mental Health in Athletics
1. Enhanced Performance:
Athletes with a strong mental health foundation are more likely to perform at their best. Mental clarity, focus, and emotional stability can significantly influence performance levels, helping athletes stay calm under pressure and resilient in the face of challenges.
2. Preventing Burnout: Cheer and dance require intense physical and mental commitment. Without proper mental health support, athletes can quickly experience burnout, leading to decreased performance, loss of passion, and even withdrawal from the sport.
3. Building Resilience: Mental health support equips athletes with tools to handle stress, setbacks, and the inevitable highs and lows of competition. This resilience not only benefits their athletic career but also prepares them for life’s challenges outside of sports.
4. Fostering Team Unity:
A focus on mental well-being encourages open communication and trust among team members. This creates a supportive environment where athletes feel valued, heard, and connected, enhancing overall team cohesion and morale.
How Coaches Can Support Their Athletes' Mental Health
1. Open Communication:
Establish a culture of openness where athletes feel comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns. Regularly check in with your team, both individually and as a group, to provide a safe space for sharing.
2. Education and Awareness:
Educate yourself and your athletes about the signs of mental health struggles and the importance of mental well-being. Provide resources that promote mental health awareness.
3. Encourage Balance:
Promote a balanced approach to training that includes adequate rest and recovery. Encourage athletes to pursue interests outside of cheer and dance to help them maintain a well-rounded lifestyle.
4. Set Realistic Goals:
Work with your athletes to set achievable goals and celebrate progress, no matter how small. This helps to build confidence and reduce the pressure of always striving for perfection.
5. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises, into your training regimen. These techniques can help athletes manage stress and improve focus.
6. Lead by Example:
Model healthy behaviors and attitudes towards mental health. Your approach to handling stress, setbacks, and challenges will set the tone for your team.
As a cheer or dance coach, your influence extends far beyond the dance floor or the sidelines. By prioritizing mental health, you are not only nurturing better athletes but also contributing to the development of well-rounded, resilient individuals. Remember, a mentally healthy athlete is a happier, more focused, and more successful athlete. Let’s work together to create a supportive environment where mental health is as important as physical health, and where every athlete can thrive before, during, and after competitions.
Tara Langston is the passionate founder of Alumni Skincare and a licensed professional counselor in Texas. Dedicated to advocating for a holistic approach to athlete care, Tara seamlessly blends her expertise in mental health and skincare to support overall well-being. Her commitment to self-care and mental wellness drives her mission to empower athletes, emphasizing the importance of mental health alongside physical training. Through her innovative skincare line and counseling practice, Tara champions the integration of self-care routines and mental well-being strategies, ensuring athletes achieve balance and sustainable success in their lives.
If you’re a gym owner who’s serious about growth, culture, and community, then you might want to clear your schedule for September 29–30. The MotUS Business Expo in Nashville isn’t your typical business event. It’s more like a two-day power-up for your mind, your mission, and your momentum—with a little red carpet magic thrown in. So what makes this event more than just another “conference”? Let’s break it down. Connection It all kicks off Sunday night with a relaxed rooftop gathering at the AC Hotel. No name tags. No pressure. Just real conversations, new friendships, and maybe even a few future collaborations. By Monday morning, you're caffeinated and connected—ready to dive into Brew & Build and a lineup of classes designed for gym owners, by gym owners and experts who get it. Sessions That Actually Matter We’re talking… Unlocking your “Why” with Aaron Flaker—get ready to rethink your purpose and find fresh clarity. Crafting your gym’s brand or implementing EOS planning—choose your growth strategy with Austin Bayles or Kari Pickering. Making your gym more fun (and profitable!) with Gean Carilmons. Exploring everyday ownership realities—from team selection drama to the best air fresheners (yes, really). These aren’t vague motivational talks. These are strategic, specific, and tailored to the unique world of all-star and youth sports business. Round Tables that Get Real Let’s be honest—some of the best insights come from other owners who’ve been in the trenches. That’s why the round tables are a highlight. You’ll rotate through three raw, honest sessions covering: How others reveal team placements (and what actually works) Creative ways to streamline day-to-day operations What MotUS can do to support your gym’s future Bring your questions. Bring your quirks. Bring your favorite vacuum recs. Legendary Leadership & Financial Gameplans Tuesday’s lineup includes a deep dive into building a legendary gym culture with Justin Carrier, mastering finances with Marc Pancratz, and designing smart gym layouts with Justin Stricklin. You’ll walk away with notes, ideas, and probably a to-do list you’re actually excited about. And if you’ve ever felt the weight of leadership—Sierra Garvin’s “How Full Is Your Bucket?” will remind you why it’s worth it. Monday Night = Red Carpet Vibes What happens when you blend industry celebration with Nashville charm? You get the launch party for The Pioneers of All Star Cheer, hosted at the Musicians Hall of Fame. With red carpet photos, cocktails, live music, and book signings, this event is more than a party—it’s a tribute to where we’ve been and where we’re going. Come dressed to celebrate the sport that built your business. Bonus Reason: The Prizes. Let’s just say… you’ll want to stay until the end. The MotUS team is known for going big with giveaways. Rumor has it something unforgettable may be up for grabs. Don’t Miss It. The MotUS Business Expo is where ideas spark, businesses evolve, and lifelong connections are made. If you’re looking for a weekend that’s equal parts strategy, support, and celebration—Nashville is calling. You can check out the full schedule and sign up here: https://www.joinmotus.com/business-expo Your future self (and your gym) will thank you.
"You're either on top of the world... or questioning everything." That quote from Casey Jones captures what competition weekends really feel like for gym owners and coaches. In this MotUS Edge podcast episode, the team dives into the emotional roller coaster that comes with competition season: the thrill of a perfect routine, the sting of a narrow loss, and the leadership it takes to navigate everything in between. As the season builds to its peak, this conversation is a timely reminder that strong leadership doesn’t just show up on the mat—it shows up in how you lead your people through every high and low. 1. The Reality of Competition From the outside, competition weekends look like celebration and sparkle. But inside the arena, gym leaders know the truth: it's long days, emotional swings, and enormous pressure. Athletes and coaches invest months for moments that unfold in minutes. And the aftermath can feel brutal. As Casey shares, a coach whose teams earned second place—after battling last-minute injuries—walked away feeling like a failure. That Monday slump is real. This isn’t about being dramatic. It’s about being honest: competition weekends take a toll. 2. Leadership Isn’t Just Strategy—It’s Emotional Management At the heart of this episode is a call to lead with presence and perspective. When one coach is riding the high of a win and another is quietly questioning their place in the program, leadership is knowing how to show up for both. “Your staff is like your kids,” says Stacy. “You’ve got to celebrate one and lift up another—all in the same dinner.” Leading through events means managing energy, emotion, and expectation—not just strategy and score sheets. 3. How to Ground Your Program During Big Events 1. Normalize the Ups and Downs Wins and losses aren’t always a reflection of effort. Remind your staff: they’re great coaches even on hard days. Create space for them to decompress and reset. 2. Frame the Weekend Before It Starts As Cole shared, unrealistic expectations lead to unnecessary disappointment. Whether you're a seasoned program or first-time finalist, set clear definitions of success before you walk in. 3. Coach Your Coaches Don’t assume your staff knows how to handle feedback, parent questions, or emotional fallout. Equip them with scripts, support, and perspective. “Feedback is a gift,” says Stacy. “And if we treat it that way, we all get better.” 4. What About the Parents? Competition weekends amplify parent stress too. Hair, travel, money, food, emotions—it all collides in high-pressure environments. And when expectations aren’t managed, small things become big conflicts. Kevin reminds us: “Your parents reflect your attitude. If you're calm and focused, they’ll follow your lead.” 5. Redefine Success Too often, we tie the quality of a season to one event. But as Casey shared, some of his teams won all season, placed second at NCA, and still saw it as a failure. Meanwhile, others won their final event and called the season a win—despite early losses. It's time to redefine what success looks like: Did your athletes grow? Did your staff stay healthy and connected? Did your program culture stay strong? Did you model resilience and professionalism? If yes—you’re winning in all the ways that matter. For the Gym Owner: Practical Actions to Take Now Hold a staff huddle post-event – Let emotions settle, then debrief together. Reset goals for the final leg of season – Refocus your coaches and teams. Coach your parents – Communicate clear expectations and support protocols. Reinforce shared success – Celebrate the behind-the-scenes effort, not just the outcome. Build rituals for bounce-back – Give your coaches and kids emotional tools to recover and refocus. Why This Matters Now In an industry obsessed with the win, this episode is a rally cry for perspective. Great programs aren’t just built on banners—they’re built on emotional intelligence, cultural clarity, and consistent leadership. "Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first." – Simon Sinek Make your coaches feel seen, supported, and valued—and they’ll show up better for your kids. Listen, Learn & Lead Forward Catch the full conversation here: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Then join us at the MotUS Business Expo, Sept 28–30 in Nashville. The leadership, community, and coaching support you’ve been craving—all in one place.
Owning a gym can feel like a never-ending grind. But it doesn’t have to. The key to freedom isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter . And that starts with systems. Let’s talk about the top systems you need to get out of the weeds and into the visionary role your gym deserves. 1. Scheduling: Automate Your Calendar Use tools like Calendly, Google Calendar, or class management software to eliminate the back-and-forth. Set recurring team meetings Automate trial class sign-ups Create time blocks for admin vs. creative work Bonus: Protect your "off time" like it’s sacred. Because it is. 2. Onboarding: New Hires Done Right Create a step-by-step onboarding system that includes: Orientation checklist Video trainings Culture manual Weekly check-ins Why it matters: The faster your team is up to speed, the faster you can delegate. 3. Delegation: Build a Leadership Ladder Stop trying to do it all. Identify tasks you can train, trust, and transfer. Admin? Delegate. Social media? Delegate. Warm-ups? Delegate. Your job is vision, not micromanagement. 4. Communication: Say It Once Use a central platform (Slack, Band, Trello) to communicate consistently. Create channels or boards for: Team updates Weekly goals Parent communication templates Stop repeating yourself. Start systemizing. 5. Billing + Admin: Automate the Back End Use platforms like Jackrabbit, iClassPro, or Studio Director to: Auto-bill tuition Track attendance Send reminders Less time chasing payments = more time leading. Bonus: Weekly CEO Time Block 1-2 hours a week for high-level strategy. No interruptions. No "quick questions." Use it to: Review metrics Brainstorm growth strategies Plan your next move Final Word: Freedom Comes From Systems The goal isn’t to do less work—it’s to do your best work . The kind of work that grows your gym, inspires your team, and energizes you. Start small. Pick one system to build this week. Because when your business runs on systems, you don’t have to run on empty.
Owning a gym can feel like a never-ending grind. But it doesn’t have to. The key to freedom isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter . And that starts with systems. Let’s talk about the top systems you need to get out of the weeds and into the visionary role your gym deserves. 1. Scheduling: Automate Your Calendar Use tools like Calendly, Google Calendar, or class management software to eliminate the back-and-forth. Set recurring team meetings Automate trial class sign-ups Create time blocks for admin vs. creative work Bonus: Protect your "off time" like it’s sacred. Because it is. 2. Onboarding: New Hires Done Right Create a step-by-step onboarding system that includes: Orientation checklist Video trainings Culture manual Weekly check-ins Why it matters: The faster your team is up to speed, the faster you can delegate. 3. Delegation: Build a Leadership Ladder Stop trying to do it all. Identify tasks you can train, trust, and transfer. Admin? Delegate. Social media? Delegate. Warm-ups? Delegate. Your job is vision, not micromanagement. 4. Communication: Say It Once Use a central platform (Slack, Band, Trello) to communicate consistently. Create channels or boards for: Team updates Weekly goals Parent communication templates Stop repeating yourself. Start systemizing. 5. Billing + Admin: Automate the Back End Use platforms like Jackrabbit, iClassPro, or Studio Director to: Auto-bill tuition Track attendance Send reminders Less time chasing payments = more time leading. Bonus: Weekly CEO Time Block 1-2 hours a week for high-level strategy. No interruptions. No "quick questions." Use it to: Review metrics Brainstorm growth strategies Plan your next move Final Word: Freedom Comes From Systems The goal isn’t to do less work—it’s to do your best work . The kind of work that grows your gym, inspires your team, and energizes you. Start small. Pick one system to build this week. Because when your business runs on systems, you don’t have to run on empty.
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Introducing The Prime Alliance Some of the industry's most respected leaders joined together with a shared belief—That both industry competitors and customers alike benefit from cooperation and collaboration. These individuals representing The CheerExpo, Choice Events, All Out Brands, All Day Cheerleading, and American Spirit Cheerc have dedicated their careers to creating exceptional experiences for young athletes—together they are The Prime Alliance. Creating an Extraordinary New Experience When these visionaries first gathered, the energy was electric. The possibilities seemed endless. As they shared stories from their collective decades of experience, a powerful truth emerged, their combined knowledge, relationships, and passion could allow them to give back something truly extraordinary to an industry that had given them so much. Their abilities, existing relationships and highly regarded reputations in the industry allow them to secure a new venue in a proclaimed destination. The Prime Alliance creates a foundation that allows them to reimagine what an industry event can be. Drawing on their firsthand understanding of innovation, these leaders are committed to building something genuinely new, not simply derivative of the past. This commitment requires patience as they carefully craft every detail, even as curiosity naturally builds throughout the industry. The founding members unanimously agree: strategic planning forms the cornerstone of every successful venture. While anticipation builds across an industry eager for reinvention, these leaders remain laser-focused on building something truly transformational. Their unwavering commitment? Prioritize thoughtful preparation without compromising ambition. The planning process is well underway, with every founding member dedicated to delivering an experience that exceeds expectations. Mark Your Calendars The Prime Alliance is thrilled to announce its inaugural event—a gathering that will redefine industry standards and create new opportunities for those ready to embrace something bold. May 8-10, 2026 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, and be sure to follow @joinmotus for the official event name reveal on May 14th, 2025. The Visionaries Behind The Prime Alliance CX Brands Cole Stott, Kevin Brubaker, Casey Jones, Stacy Rowe Choice Events Robin Coe, Dennis Worley All Out Brands Emilee Fenn, James Kersey All Day Cheerleading Andrew Day, Carlos Foster American Spirit Cheer Paul and Tammy Skinner Are you going to be part of history or watch it?
