Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to extend the findings obtained in previous reversal theory based dance research by investigating dancers' perceptions of their own arousal levels and performance and their motivational states when performing. A group of modern dancers (n = 21), performing at a dance competition, acted as volunteer participants. They were subsequently divided into serious (n = 11) and playful (n = 10) groups on the basis of their Motivational Style Profile (MSP) serious-playful dimension scores. A modified 'dance version' of the State of Mind Indicator for Athletes (SOMIFA) was used to compare the two groups on their experience of arousal, alertness and energy and their motivational states at four different performance sessions. In addition, their self-rated performance ratings were compared. The results are interpreted in the light of reversal theory and their implications for dance performance set out.